The crusades were, although also rooting in socio-economic and other motivations for conquest, mainly Catholic Holy Wars to defend Christianity, especially the threatened orthodox (albeit 'heretic') Byzantine empire, and pilgrims, notably...See moreThe crusades were, although also rooting in socio-economic and other motivations for conquest, mainly Catholic Holy Wars to defend Christianity, especially the threatened orthodox (albeit 'heretic') Byzantine empire, and pilgrims, notably to Jerusalem. Although dealing with tolerant Muslims was usually easier and offered better prospects, religious zeal stirred by such measures as papal appeals and indulgences resulted in full-fledged wars to reconquer the Holy Land. Intolerant Catholic crusader states were established instead of restoring Byzantine rule, all soon to fall prey again to Saracens. This ans successive attempts to reconquer the Holy Land again were bound to yield a heritage of violent hatred between major religions preaching peace.Written by
KGF Vissers
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