Crusades Flashcards
Why is the Byzantine Empire relevant?
It is the political, cultural and religious bastion of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Who do the Byzantine Empire face strife from?
During 11th C. Seljuk Turks and emerging powers in Balkans + Italy (insatiability prompted appeals for assistance from West).
What does Charles The Great do?
Extends territory through military, uniting Western Europe. France, Germany and parts of Italy were parts of his empire.
What happened under Charles The Great’s reign?
Revival of learning and culture known as Carolingian Renaissance via the establishment of schools, preserving texts and promoting Latin literacy.
What did the Islamic world do?
Abbasid Caliphate noted for contribution to science, math, med, philosophy. They established trade networks connecting Africa, Asia and Europe (goods, ideas, tech).
When was the First Crusade and how did it happen?
1095-1099. Seljuk Turks expand territory into Byzantine Anatolia. This threatens Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.
What does the defeat of Byzantine lead to?
The Battle of Manzikert (1071), weakening the Roman Empire, leading to territorial loss and encouraging further Turkish invasion.
What did Alexius Comenus do?
He sought military aid from the West, leading to Pope Urban II’s response. He highlights Byzantine Empire’s vulnerability.
What did Pope Urban II do?
Pope Urban II’s speech at Council of Clermont stirs hearts
Who was involved in the first Crusade?
Knights, peasants, clergy, women. Crusades organized military groups.
Why was religion an important part of the Crusades?
While engaging in violent warfare, they viewed themselves as devout Christians undertaking a Holy quest.
How did Pope Gregory VII support the Crusades?
His efforts to reform the Church, emphasizing buying and selling of offices, thus creating environment where the papacy could mobilize support for Crusades.
How do Crusades end and when?
Crusaders successfully capture Jerusalem in 1099, establishing Crusader states.
How did the Crusades serve economic benefits?
Increased demand for Eastern goods like silk and spices stimulated trade, meaning a rise of merchant cities (Venice and Genoa).
How did the Crusades culturally effect people?
The transferring of knowledge and cultural practices such as new technology, new goods and new ideas, contributed to a broader European cultural renaissance.
