Crusades

I had the honor of interviewing a highly ranked Christian soldier who served in the infamous Crusades. His name was Bill, and I hope you enjoy what he has to say...



The Crusades!



Q: So Bill, what exactly were the Crusades?

A: Funny you should ask, seeing as I fought in them! *Ahem* anyways, they were a series of Holy Wars fought between the Muslims and Christians. I am not going to lie, the Christians may have launched these wars, but I can only stress that these people had it coming.

Q: What was the main purpose of these many battles?

A: The main purpose? Well of course it was Jerusalem! Throughout the wars, it was constantly switching hands! One war was ours and the next, theirs. It was quite a struggle. Neither one of us was going to give up easily though. This was a fight that would last. I can say from experience that neither of these sides were quitters.

Q: Why of course not! Now I'm a little confused, when were these wars?

A: Well, the first one was launched by Pope Urban II was asked by Emperor Alexius for help with the Muslim problem. Pope Urban II launched the first if these numerous Holy Wars in 1096. I won't bore you with the details of each battle, but a high point was 1099. This was when Jerusalem was captured! The last year you should know about is 1271-1272. This was when the very last of these wars occurred. This last one was led by none other than Prince Edward

Q: Wow, I can really see how big and important these wars were! But can you tell me what impacts you think these wars will leave? I mean, yes they were big, but specific things?

A: This could take a while, just warning you! These wars had tons and tons of results! These Crusades helped to break down that silly old Feudal system by taking away power from the king. There were boat loads of technological advances as well. These were mostly due to the exposure of Muslim culture, and trade and different religions that were brought together and the spread of Christianity. There was a lot of exchanges on art, spices, literature and ideas, which helped to weaken the Byzantine Empire. People finally stopped doing so much farming and began getting an education through reading and writing and painting. The crusades also brought in a lot of money for the economy and gave power to the Pope and Church. I would have to say that the very single most important thing that it did was finally bring Europe out of the Dark Ages.