The Crusades

Flashcards about the Crusades in Medieval England

What were the Crusades?

Wars between European Christians and Middle Eastern Muslims between 1095 and 1291.

Who ordered the First Crusade and when?

Pope Urban II in 1095.

What reward did the Pope offer for fighting in the Crusades?

The remission of sins.

Why was Jerusalem important?

It was the ‘Holy Land’, an important city to both Muslims and Christians (and Jewish people). It had been under Muslim control since 638.

Who seized Jerusalem in 1079, leading to the First Crusade?

The Seljuk Turks.

Who went on the Crusades?

Monks, peasants, nobles, criminals, and professional knights.

How many crusades were there between 1095 and 1204?

Four

What increased as a result of the crusades?

Cultural and economic (trade of medicines, silks and inventions) exchanges between the East and West.

How did crusades influence warfare?

The Crusaders learnt more about warfare from the Muslims who used gunpowder and had improved the design of castles.

What new ideas about castle building did Crusaders bring back?

Round towers.

What goods came to Europe after the Crusades?

Soap, mirrors; and magnifying glasses.

What goods were traded through thriving ports in Italy?

Apricots, olive oil, lemons, dates, and cinnamon.

What did Western Europeans learn about the Muslim world?

That it stretched to India and traded with China.

What knowledge about plants and animals did Europeans bring back?

Knowledge about plants, irrigation and the breeding of animals that would be helpful for farming.

What trading links did Saladin forge?

Trading links with Europeans, who sold him timber to build his ships.

What mathematical concepts came via the Islamic world?

Modern European numerals (1,2,3) and Algebra.

What instruments and games came to Europe from the Islamic world?

A stringed instrument called a lute, and the board game chess.

What vows did monks and nuns have to take?

Poverty, celibacy, obedience

What was the name of the part of the monastery where sick people were treated?

Infirmary

What shape were Cathedrals and Churches built in?

Cross

Who is the head of the Christian Church?

Pope

Why did Englishmen want to fight?

They were influenced by the power of the Pope (who was God’s representative on Earth and had the power to excommunicate). They also wanted to please God. Doom paintings and other sources made people fearful of hell and purgatory. A guaranteed place in heaven would have motivated some people.