1.1 The Background to the Crusades

Question 1

What were the Crusades?

Answer 1

A series of wars in which western Europeans attacked Muslims in the Middle East

Question 2

Why did the Crusades occur?

Answer 2

Muslims controlled the holiest places associated with Christianity, such as Jerusalem

Question 3

When did the Crusades take place?

Answer 3

From the late eleventh century until the thirteenth century

Question 4

Who were the participants in the Crusades?

Answer 4

Many Europeans, mostly men but some women, and people living in Byzantium and the Middle East

Question 5

What are the main themes discussed in the introductory chapter about the Crusades?

Answer 5

The background to the Crusades, Western Europe in the eleventh century, circumstances in Palestinian lands before 1100, circumstances in the Byzantine Empire before 1100

Question 6

What significant event occurred in 1054 related to the Crusades?

Answer 6

Schism between the eastern and western Churches

Question 7

What happened in 1071 that affected the Byzantine Empire?

Answer 7

Defeat of the Byzantines by the Turks at the Battle of Manzikert

Question 8

Who became pope in 1073?

Answer 8

Gregory VII

Question 9

Who became the emperor of Byzantium in 1081?

Answer 9

Alexius II

Question 10

What were the key dates for the Crusades?

Answer 10

First Crusade (1095-9), Second Crusade (1147-9), Third Crusade (1189-92), Fourth Crusade (1202-4)

Question 11

Where and when did the Crusades take place?

Answer 11

In the Middle East during the late eleventh century

Question 12

What is referred to as the Latin West?

Answer 12

The Latin Christian kingdoms of medieval Europe, influenced by the Catholic Church in Rome

Question 13

What was the significance of Rome in the context of the Crusades?

Answer 13

Rome was the largest city in the world and the center of Christianity

Question 14

What happened around 395 regarding the Roman Empire?

Answer 14

The Roman Empire became permanently divided between east and west

Question 15

The eastern Roman Empire is known as what?

Answer 15

The Byzantine Empire

Question 16

Fill in the blank: The Latin West can also be used to describe the _______ parts of medieval Europe.

Answer 16

Catholic

Question 17

What event strained relations between the Byzantine emperors and the Pope?

Answer 17

The crowning of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in Rome

This act was seen as a challenge by the Byzantine emperors.

Question 18

What was the fate of Constantinople in 1453?

Answer 18

Taken by the Turks

This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire.

Question 19

Who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Rome?

Answer 19

Charlemagne

Charlemagne ruled from approximately 742 to 814 and was a key figure in the Carolingian Empire.

Question 20

Which empire became the center of the Church instead of Rome?

Answer 20

Byzantine Empire

The people were referred to as ‘Greek Christian’ and part of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Question 21

What was the First Crusade’s timeframe?

Answer 21

1095-1099

It was one of the first four major Crusades.

Question 22

What were the main factors leading to the First Crusade?

Answer 22

Eager popes, Byzantine Empire collapse, threat to Christians

The popes aimed to unite Christendom and reassert authority.

Question 23

What significant event occurred in Constantinople in 1204?

Answer 23

The sack of Constantinople by a crusading force

This weakened the Byzantine Empire significantly.

Question 24

Who was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire during the call for help that led to the Crusades?

Answer 24

Alexius

His appeal for assistance was crucial in the development of the crusading movement.

Question 25

True or False: The First Crusade was solely initiated by the Pope.

Answer 25

False

Recent scholarship emphasizes the role of the Byzantine Empire’s internal issues and Alexius’ appeal.

Question 26

Fill in the blank: The First Crusade arose from a combination of factors including the Byzantine Empire’s _______.

Answer 26

collapse

This collapse created a sense of urgency among Christians in the region.

Question 27

What are the names of the first four Crusades?

Answer 27

• First Crusade
• Second Crusade
• Third Crusade
• Fourth Crusade

The Second Crusade took place from 1147-1149, the Third from 1189-1192, and the Fourth from 1202-1204.

Question 28

What was the impact of the Crusader States established in the twelfth century?

Answer 28

Reinforced the central role of the Pope in crusading expeditions

This narrative was dominant in historical writing due to monks and clerics.

Question 29

What geographical area did the First Crusade primarily target?

Answer 29

The Muslim Near East

This includes regions such as Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Egypt.

Question 30

What were some of the critical events leading to Alexius’ call for help?

Answer 30

• Collapse of Byzantine administration
• Capture of Ephesus
• Military collapse of Byzantine forces
• Civil war
• Attempted coup

These factors created a dire situation for the Byzantine Empire.

Question 31

Who was Pope Urban II and what opportunity did he seize?

Answer 31

Pope Urban II seized the opportunity to reunite Christendom

His sudden change in position allowed him to respond to Alexius’ call for help.