6.2 The Crusades

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6.2 The Crusades

You can watch: 'Kruistocht in spijkerbroek' as fun study material!

Poem: Islamic perspective

We mixed blood with flowing tears. And there is no more space in us for pity.

Shedding tears is the worst weapon of a man when the swords wish for war.

Sons of Islam, behind you there are fights in which the heads roll at your feet.

How can the eye behind the eyelids sleep, during a time of disaster which would awake anyone who is asleep?

When blood is spilled, when sweet girls are made to feel ashamed, hiding their beautiful faces in their hands!

When the tips of the white swords have turned red because of the blood and the iron of the brown lance is stained with blood!

- Muzaffar al-Abiwardi

Cause first crusade

• A lot of fighting within Europe.
• The Pope didn't like this.
• It's better to fight against a common enemy instead of each other, he thought.
• So, Pope Urban II called for a Holy War against the Muslims (1095).
• This became the first crusade.

Why the Muslims?

• Jerusalem (prominent place for Jews, Christians, and Muslims). Every religion wanted Jerusalem.
• During this time under Islamic rule.  
• There also was a call for help:

Read 6.2 the Crusades. Read until 'The Council of Clermont'. So, do not read that part yet!

Council of Clermont

• 1095: Pope Urban II organized a council in Clermont (France).
• He pleaded that the Holy Land should be freed from Muslim rule.
• He spread lies about them to make the Europeans angry.
• They shouted: Deus Volt! (God wills it).

Assignment

• Christianity and fighting a war, killing people don't seem to go together.
• What could the Pope have said that led to Christians participating fully during these Holy Wars?

• Think of your own answer and write this down in your notebook!

The Pope told people that God wouldn't punish them for fighting in this war. This was a Holy War, with a greater purpose. Or so he said.

He even told people that their place in heaven would be guaranteed if they participated in the Holy War.

Siege of Jerusalem

• When they finally arrived in Jerusalem (1099), there were tired, hungry, and angry.
• They took the city by force and killed everyone (even children).
• It is said that the streets of Jerusalem was filled with blood.
• They established Crusader States.

Assignment

• Finish reading paragraph 6.2.
• A lot of people were involved with the Crusades: Muslims, Jews, and the European Christians.
• Make groups of 2/3 people. Choose a Crusade (1-7).
• Each person will find out more about this Crusade from a different viewpoint (Islamic, European, and Jewish).
• Share your findings with each other once you're finished.