The Second Crusade

Question 1

Who called the Second Crusade?

Answer 1

Eugenius iii

Question 2

When was the Second Crusade called?

Answer 2

1145

Question 3

What papal bull was used in the calling of the Second Crusade?

Answer 3

‘Quantum Praedecessores’

Question 4

Why was the Second Crusade called?
(The situation in the East)

Answer 4

1. The fall of Edessa in 1144
2. The rise of Zengi
3. The rise of the Jihad movement and the Islamic Empire

Question 5

Why was the Second Crusade called?
(Papal Ambition)

Answer 5

1. To re-unite the churches (Schism in the 1130’s, as John ii Komnenos was anti-Latin and had attacked Antioch twice in 1137 and 1142. However, John had already died by 1142, before the crusade was called)
2. To extend papal authority (Would have control over two monarchs as well as numerous Lords)
3. To consolidate more land and improve the position of Outremer

Question 6

Why was the Second Crusade called?
(Religious Conviction)

Answer 6

1. Zengi was a ruthless leader who was feigned for his violent approach
2. To re-direct the violence of the knightly classes, and the wars of the European kings
3. ‘Quantum Praedecessores’ focused on the legacy of the First Crusade
4. To restore the religiosity of Europe through an act of penance

Question 7

Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(A lack of clear aims)

Answer 7

1. Pilgrims were encouraged to go on the crusade, which caused a shortage of supplies
2. Conrad did not wait for Louis at Constantinople, which caused miscommunications between the two, and strained their relations

Question 8

Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Muslim Unity)

Answer 8

1. The rise of Zengi
2. The utilisation of jihad
3. Unur and Nureddin’s relationship had improved (Nureddin had married Unur’s daughter)
4. Unur and Nureddin prevented an attack on Damascus (Nureddin sent troops to Unur in Damascus)

Question 9

Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Poor leadership)

Answer 9

1. The attack on Damascus was a strategic disaster (The crusaders chose a position with very little water and supplies, and were ultimately forced to withdraw from the attack)
2. Thousands of pilgrims slowed down the crusade
3. A lack of discipline towards the pilgrims
4. Louis did not prevent the crusaders from terrorising the local markets

Question 10

Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Byzantine hostility)

Answer 10

1. Manuel did not open the gates of Constantinople for Conrad (Conrad’s army had to camp outside of the city’s walls)
2. Manuel spread false rumours about Conrad’s successes in Asia minor.
3. The Byzantine Empire were too busy trying to gain economically from the crusaders
4. The Byzantine Empire charged high prices at the markets

Question 11

What were the 3 phases of the Second Crusade?

Answer 11

1. The Wendish Crusade through the Baltic region, against the Pagans
2. The Iberian Crusade, against the Umayyad Caliphate
3. The Crusade to the Holy Land

Question 12

When was the attack on Damascus?

Answer 12

July 1148

Question 13

How many men were at the attack on Damascus?

Answer 13

50,000

Question 14

What was agreed at the Council of Palmarea?

Answer 14

Edessa was ruled out as a target, and Damascus was chosen instead

Question 15

Why did people join the Second Crusade?
(Economic reasons)

Answer 15

1. Potential land and booty to be gained
2. Highly expensive to come on crusade, however

Question 16

Why did people join the Second Crusade?
(Social Reasons)

Answer 16

1. ‘Quantum Praedecessores’ (Highlighted the legacy of the First Crusade and the fathers)
2. Louis vii took the cross as an act of penance for burning the French town of Vitry

Question 17

Why did people join the Second Crusade?
(Religious Reasons)

Answer 17

1. Religious preaching (Bernard of Clairvaux)
2. Full indulgence
3. An act of penance to God