3/1/11

Crusader Jerusalem:

The Crusades were holy conflicts between Roman Catholics and Muslims in attempts to recapture Jerusalem from Islamic rule.  Pope Urban II's 1095 speech, which grants indulgence to anyone supporting their cause, and he emphasizes Jerusalem's place as the navel of the earth.  This sparked the 1st Crusade from 1095-1099, and in 1099 northern Crusaders led by Godfrey de Bouillon conquered the city in 1099.  The next year, Baldwin became the "king of Jerusalem."  The 2nd Crusade (1147-1149), preached by St. Bernard in 1146, consisted mostly of French and German Crusaders.  On July 4, 1187, Salah ad-Din (Saladin) defeated the Crusaders at Hattin, resulting in their surrender.

The Crusades resulted in the modification of some significant Islamic monuments, as well as the rebuilding of destroyed Byzantine churches.  Also, the Knights Templar was founded in 1118, and they resided near the Temple Mount.  Their goal was to protect pilgrims from robbers and other dangers that may encounter. A number of Crusades took place after the death of Saladin, resulting in Jerusalem being recaptured by the Crusaders, leading to an eventual Crusader defeat in 1291.