European Crusades

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was often imposed as a penance . Now, however, they
assumed a two roles as pilgrims and warriors. Such an armed pilgrimage
was regarded as a justifiable war, because it was fought to recapture
the places sacred to that of the Christians .
Jerusalem had been under Muslim rule since the 7th century,
but pilgrimages were not cut off until the 11th century, when the
Seljuk Turks began to interfere with Christian pilgrims. For
Christians, the very name of Jerusalem evoked visions of the end of
time and of the heavenly city. To help rescue the Holy Land fulfilled
the ideal of the Christian knight. Papal encouragement, the hope of
eternal merit, and the offer of indulgences motivated thousands to
enroll in the cause .
Political considerations were also important. The Crusades
were a response to appeals for help from the Byzantine Empire,
threatened by the advance of the Seljuk Turks. The year 1071 had seen
both the captures of Jerusalem ...

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great war. Supposedly
they thought it was God will and that God would lead them and Take
care of them. During his speech Cries of "Dues le wolt! -- "God
wills it!" - Interrupted his speech. Just after the Pope ended his
speech the bishop of Le Puy fell to his knees and asked permission to
join the "Holy Expedition." Hundreds crowded up to later follow his
example.
Each man involved with the expedition was to wear a cross in
symbolization of his dedication. Anyone who took this cross vowed to
go to Jerusalem . Everyone was to be ready to leave his home by
August 15 the Feast of Assumption. The armies were to meet in
Constantinople. When they were all ...

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