First Crusade (jan 19, 1096 – jan 19, 1099)

Description:

Holy-war by Christians against Muslims, espec. Saljuqs who are occupying Jerusalem. Fought for economic, political, and religious reasons -- and the Pope hoped to unite Europe behind a singular cause. Younger sons of land-owners were taken to fight, as they were not inheriting anything, and were militarily trained. The only successful crusade, Jerusalem was captured and multiple Crusader principalities were established along the Mediterranean. Fortresses established on hills along Med to keep out invaders -- uses high ground successfully.

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