How to understand the crusades

In today’s highly charged political climate it can be very difficult to obtain a clear truthful understanding of such a contentious topic as the midlevel crusades. This article is designed to provide a basic framework and some general guidance to the student of history who wishes to cut to the truth regardless of whom it may offend.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Time
• dedication
• an open mind

1. Understand the state of the Byzantine Empire in the late 11th century. It is important to begin at the beginning, in this topic as all others. Consider the Eastern Roman Empire in the year 1095. For hundreds of years the population center of Byzantium had been Asia Minor. Recent incursions by tribes of Turks had laid waste to this once populous and wealthy region. This coupled with the destruction of the core of the empire’s regular army had left Constantinople in a very bad way. Dependant on foreign mercenaries the emperor sent a call to Rome for help, hoping Norman Knights would sign up for paid service in his army.
2. Understand the state of western Christianity. After the dark ages following Rome’s demise Western Europe had only begun pulling itself together. It had also been long on the defensive against Islam. The crusades represent the first offensive actions against the new faith.
3. Understand the state of the Normans who made up the fighting core of the first crusade. The Normans had long fostered the warrior spirit and code of chivalry, something alien ot the Greeks. This along with recent conquest and religious fervor made holy war a tempting prospect to the knights of the Franks.
4. Understand the nature of the crusader army. As a general rule the crusaders were not under unified command. Leaders had different goals, different standards of conduct. This lead to the ultimate failure-from the crusader’s perspective.
5. Understand the extreme motivation of the combatants. Fierce religious feelings, national loyalties, and warrior codes drove armies on both sides to feats of bravery, endurance, and savagery that can be difficult for the modern person to understand. It is important to remember this when reading or studying while safe and warm in your library.
6. Understand that the crusaders are not as far removed from us as we may think. While the motivations of the crusaders can seem alien and distant modern man is not immune to them. One need only look to the conflicts in the Middle East today in order to see this. Here we have political strife that has morphed into holy war even more brutal than before as there is no Saladin to maintain a standard of honor, there are devastating modern weapons, and of course a greater disparity in power of the combatants.

Tips & Warnings

• When reading about a topic as charged as the crusades it is important to be sure your author is concerned with facts rather than an agenda. Research an author carefully before taking his or her work to heart.
• Read many different sources to come to a full understanding of the historical events and personalaties.