1.1.3 The Aim of Freeing Jerusalem

Why was Jerusalem significant to Christians

It was the site of Christ’s crucifixion and Resurrection

What changed in the 1090s that made pilgrimages to Jerusalem more difficult

The rise of the Seljuk Turks made the route less secure and more expensive

How did Pope Urban II present the situation in Jerusalem to encourage crusading

He portrayed it as spiritually polluted by Muslim presence and in need of Christian restoration

Why was the theme of Jeruslaem under threat used in later crusades

It was a powerful motivator; even when the target was elsewhere, like Edessa, it helped rally support

What triggered the Third Crusade

The capture of Jerusalem by Saladin in 1187, after which Christians were expelled from the city

How did Bernard of Clairvaux use Jerusalem to promote the Second Crusade

He focused his recruitment letters on the idea that Jerusalem was under threat, despite the actual loss being Edessa