1.1 The Background to the Crusades Flashcards
What were the Crusades?
A series of wars in which western Europeans attacked Muslims in the Middle East
Why did the Crusades occur?
Muslims controlled the holiest places associated with Christianity, such as Jerusalem
When did the Crusades take place?
From the late eleventh century until the thirteenth century
Who were the participants in the Crusades?
Many Europeans, mostly men but some women, and people living in Byzantium and the Middle East
What are the main themes discussed in the introductory chapter about the Crusades?
The background to the Crusades, Western Europe in the eleventh century, circumstances in Palestinian lands before 1100, circumstances in the Byzantine Empire before 1100
What significant event occurred in 1054 related to the Crusades?
Schism between the eastern and western Churches
What happened in 1071 that affected the Byzantine Empire?
Defeat of the Byzantines by the Turks at the Battle of Manzikert
Who became pope in 1073?
Gregory VII
Who became the emperor of Byzantium in 1081?
Alexius II
What were the key dates for the Crusades?
First Crusade (1095-9), Second Crusade (1147-9), Third Crusade (1189-92), Fourth Crusade (1202-4)
Where and when did the Crusades take place?
In the Middle East during the late eleventh century
What is referred to as the Latin West?
The Latin Christian kingdoms of medieval Europe, influenced by the Catholic Church in Rome
What was the significance of Rome in the context of the Crusades?
Rome was the largest city in the world and the center of Christianity
What happened around 395 regarding the Roman Empire?
The Roman Empire became permanently divided between east and west
The eastern Roman Empire is known as what?
The Byzantine Empire
Fill in the blank: The Latin West can also be used to describe the _______ parts of medieval Europe.
Catholic
What event strained relations between the Byzantine emperors and the Pope?
The crowning of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor in Rome
This act was seen as a challenge by the Byzantine emperors.
What was the fate of Constantinople in 1453?
Taken by the Turks
This event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire.
Who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in Rome?
Charlemagne
Charlemagne ruled from approximately 742 to 814 and was a key figure in the Carolingian Empire.
Which empire became the center of the Church instead of Rome?
Byzantine Empire
The people were referred to as ‘Greek Christian’ and part of the Greek Orthodox Church.
What was the First Crusade’s timeframe?
1095-1099
It was one of the first four major Crusades.
What were the main factors leading to the First Crusade?
Eager popes, Byzantine Empire collapse, threat to Christians
The popes aimed to unite Christendom and reassert authority.
What significant event occurred in Constantinople in 1204?
The sack of Constantinople by a crusading force
This weakened the Byzantine Empire significantly.
Who was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire during the call for help that led to the Crusades?
Alexius
His appeal for assistance was crucial in the development of the crusading movement.
True or False: The First Crusade was solely initiated by the Pope.
False
Recent scholarship emphasizes the role of the Byzantine Empire’s internal issues and Alexius’ appeal.
Fill in the blank: The First Crusade arose from a combination of factors including the Byzantine Empire’s _______.
collapse
This collapse created a sense of urgency among Christians in the region.
What are the names of the first four Crusades?
- 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.
What was the impact of the Crusader States established in the twelfth century?
Reinforced the central role of the Pope in crusading expeditions
This narrative was dominant in historical writing due to monks and clerics.
What geographical area did the First Crusade primarily target?
The Muslim Near East
This includes regions such as Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Egypt.
What were some of the critical events leading to Alexius’ call for help?
- 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.
Who was Pope Urban II and what opportunity did he seize?
Pope Urban II seized the opportunity to reunite Christendom
His sudden change in position allowed him to respond to Alexius’ call for help.
