The Crusades

Background:
    - Age of Faith
    - Holy Roman Empire is the strongest kingdom in Europe

Jerusalem
    - late eleventh century, Jerusalem was controlled by the Muslims
    - Islam's 3rd holiest City
    - Holy City to Jews

The "Holy War"
    - Pope Urban 2 put the call for Christians to recapture Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim Turks
    - Thus began 200 years of religiously sanctioned military campaigns, from 1095 to 1291
    - crusade means "taking of the cross"

Crusades (almost) Entirely Supported Throughout Holy Roman Empire
    - "soldiers of the Church" took vows to take back the Holy Land
    - Pope promised those who died in the endeavor would receive immediate remission for their sins