Why did Europeans join the Crusades?

In this lesson, we will learn about the background to the Crusades and the early conflicts between Christian and Islamic Empires.

In this lesson, we will find out about the Pope who called for the Crusades, and the council that led to the First Crusade starting.

In this lesson, we will learn about the difficulties faced by different Crusaders as they made their way to the Holy Land, and just how close to disaster they came.

In this lesson, we will learn about the siege and capture of the holy city of Jerusalem in 1099. We will also think about why the crusade took place and how we know about it historically.

In this lesson, we will learn about the famous leaders Richard 'the Lionheart' and Saladin, and the events of the Third Crusade.

In this final lesson you will learn about the controversial Fourth Crusade. We will learn about Pope Innocent III, the role of Venice and the sack of Constantinople.