Jerusalem Regained: The First Crusade Flashcards
Who was the first to set the stage for a Christian crusade?
Big clash happened with Western Christianity. Also, the notion of Christian crusade was already experienced in history when Charlemegne invaded the Saxons and Muslims in north eastern Spain. Whole people groups were forced to convert, in large part to protect local Christians.
The battle between the Eastern Byzantine empire and Muslims is one of the contexts for the crusades. Briefly describe what happened.
- The Byzantine Empire and the Muslims. Jerusalem had been in Muslim hands for centuries. The East had been facing Islam for a long time Syria and North Africa had been lost, but it retained Asia Minor.
- The Rise of the Seljuk Turks and the Fatimids of Egypt/Palestine. They had expanded and were making inroad in the Middle East. So you have competing Muslim groups.
- The Battle of Manzikert (1071). The Seljuks defeat the Eastern Emperor. Which meant that all of a sudden the Eastern Empire is lost. The Eastern Roman emperor, Alexis, calls out for help.
Who were the competing Muslim groups during the first crusade?
The Rise of the Seljuk Turks and the Fatimids of Egypt/Palestine.
In what battle do the Muslims beat the eastern emperor?
The Battle of Manzikert (1071)
Who was the Byzantine emperor that was defeated by the Muslims to set the stage for the crusades?
Alexis.
Besides the defeat of Alexis by the Seljuks in the Battle of Mazikert (1071), what are the three other factors that lead to the crusades?
- Christian Pilgrims: Cause or Excuse? The Fatimads were pretty hands off when pilgrims came, and the Seljuks made it more difficult. They are less protected, and this stirs up the West (this becomes a pretext for going to war with them).
- Result of Investiture Controversy: Pope as symbol of unity of Christendom. The emperor and the pope were at odds. The papal claim was more important, and sacral kingship idea was beginning to waine for the first time since Charlemagne. The emperor ceases to be the head of Latin Christendom. Basically, the pope had more authority (1st major cause).
• Surge of Religious Enthusiasm in 11th century (2nd major cause)
– Huge expansion of monasticism, and lay people. Huge enthusiasm, all across the board.
– Affecting all classes, including the nobility and warrior class
– Attempt to direct marshal energies toward common religiously sanctioned goal versus tow. So now the warriors have a reason to get involved. The POPE calls them to help release pilgrims from captivity.
Which Pope calls for the first crusade? When and where does he do it?
Pope Urban II call for Crusade at Council of Claremont (1096). Originally, Gregory had received the request (but couldn’t because of the emperor).
Council of Claremont (1096)
Council in which Pope Urban II calls for the first Crusade.
What does Pope Urban II offer for those who decide to go on the first crusade?
– Offers plenary (full) indulgence to those who “take up the cross” in this military pilgrimage. It became almost like a monastic call (and that was big time important to these guys).
– Crusading was now religious calling.
– There was a HUGE response. He gets four armies that are raised to go. Pope was probably surprised.
What affect does Pope Urban II’s offer of plenary indulgence have on recruiting for the first crusade?
Four armies are raised.
Name the four armies that go on the first crusade.
- Southern France: papal legate and Raymond, Count of Toulouse
- Northern French army: brother of French King; Counts of Blois, Flanders, Normandy
- French-German border: Godfrey de Bouillon along with his brother Baldwin
- Norman Italy/Sicily: Bohemund and nephew Tancred
Who were the leaders of the four armies?
- Southern France: papal legate and Raymond, Count of Toulouse
- Northern French army: brother of French King; Counts of Blois, Flanders, Normandy
- French-German border: Godfrey de Bouillon along with his brother Baldwin
- Norman Italy/Sicily: Bohemund and nephew Tancred
When did the four armies arrive for battle in the first crusade?
The summer of 1097.
What does Alexis do when the leaders of the four armies ask for permission to cross the Bosphorus?
- Emperor Alexis makes them swear fealty to him and to hand over re-conquered Byzantine lands (they finally did it). The problem is that Bohemund used to be his enemy. He probably didn’t want four independent armies coming to his aid. He probably just wanted troops to augment what he had. Could the Greek trust that kind of help?
- He supplies them with provisions. He tells them that they must relinquish lands to him that have been lost once they free them. They Latins are confused, because the Greeks had lost Jerusalem back in the 7th century, and didn’t agree that it belonged to them and therefore saw no reason to give it “back” to Alexis.
What is the first city that the crusaders take, and when do they take it?
Antioch, in 1098.
