G2: The Crusades: Battle for the Holy Land

The Crusades were a series of religious and political wars between Christian, Orthodox Greeks and Muslim entities. The first Crusade started primarily to secure control of Jerusalem, a sacred site to the Christians. In all, eight major Crusade expeditions – varying in size, strength and degree of success – occurred between 1096 and 1291. The costly, violent and often ruthless conflicts enhanced the status of western European Christians, making them major players in the fight for land in the Middle East. While the Crusades ultimately resulted in a Muslim victory, many argue that the Crusades successfully extended the reach of Christianity and Western civilization. Trade and transportation improved throughout Europe. After the Crusades, there was a heightened interest in travel and learning throughout Europe, which some historians believe may have paved the way for the Renaissance. Among some followers of Islam, however, the Crusades were regarded as being more about land expansion and trade than religion. Even today, some Muslims derisively refer to the West's involvement in the Middle East as a "crusade." There is no question that the years of warfare and conflict brought by the Crusades had an impact on Middle East and Western European nations for many years, and they still influence political and cultural views held today.

Purpose: Get a broad overview of the Crusades, who fought in the Crusades, their reasons and what relevance the Crusades have today

Facilitator: Tom Lemon