Who? - The Crusades were fought between European Christians and Middle Eastern Muslims

When? - The Crusades lasted approximately 200 years, from 1100 – 1300.

Why? - Christians wanted to capture the Holy Land (modern day Israel) from the Muslims.

• The First Crusade to capture the holy lands began on the command of Pope Urban II in 1095.

• The Crusaders slaughtered non-Christians on the way, including thousands of Jews.

Results:

1) The Muslims retained control of the Holy Land.

• By 1187, the Muslim military leader Saladin and his army re-claimed Jerusalem and almost every Crusader city in the Holy Land.

2) European demands for Asian products such as silks, spices, glassware, china, rice and oranges increased.

3) As a result of the Crusades, European trade with Asia increased.