a crusade is a military expedition against a group considered by the papacy to be an enemy of the Church

the Holy Land is an area in the Middle East that is sacred to three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam

a crusader is a Christian who fought in the holy wars authorised by the pope in the medieval period

outremer is the name for the Christian crusader states established in the Middle East during the First Crusade: the literal translation from French is ‘beyond the sea’

The First Crusade

History

This unit will deepen pupils' understanding of the role of religion and the Church in medieval Europe and the wider world. It will also introduce pupils to the concept of conquest abroad, which will be revisited throughout the curriculum. 

Pupils will have an understanding of the importance of the Church in medieval society.

The Crusades: did Europeans go on crusade to capture the 'holy land'?

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

What was promised to those who chose to take part in the First Crusade?

Many crusaders thought that they would recapture the city of {{ }}.

How many separate groups made up the First Crusade?

{{ }} is the name for the Christian crusader states established in the Holy Land during the First Crusade.

Which of these was not a crusader state established during the First Crusade?

Which part of the crusading army was crucial to their successful siege of Jerusalem?

A military expedition against a group considered by the {{ }} to be an enemy of the Church is known as a crusade.

How many men claimed to be the true pope when Urban II took the position?

The Byzantine Empire asked Pope Urban II for help fighting against the {{ }} in 1095.

Alongside the Holy Land, Pope Urban II also called for a crusade in {{ }}.

Where did Urban II make his speech calling for Western knights to go on a crusade?

By 1095, forces from primarily which religion had taken control of Jerusalem?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

The First Crusade

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.