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The First Crusade


The East developed a separate church from the one of the Western Christianity. This Orthodox church was closely aligned to the emperor. The result of this was that in the ninth and tenth centuries Christendom was fighting to survive in this world. On all sides, they were surrounded by pagans and Muslims attempting to take over. After this, though, a change began to take place. Christianity was regaining some of what it had lost. More people were converted, and the Muslims eased up on their attacks. However, this could not last forever, as was shown when the Seljuk Turks appeared.
             These Turks, who had recently converted to Islam, posed a great threat to Christianity. They were, "A primitive, warlike, and fanatical people, organized to conquer but caring little for the arts of peace."2 They had begun to make things extremely difficult for Christians, especially those wanting to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. By conquering much of the Eastern Empire, the Turks left Constantinople open to an attack. In a way, it was fortunate that the attacks came at this time. The Western Empire was just back on its feet and was stronger than ever. Pope Urban II was able to provide help to his neighbor.
             When Pope Urban II placed the idea of a Holy War before the people, even he had not expected to get the response that he received. There was more than one reason why Urban was willing to assist the Eastern Empire. The Turks were not allowing people to carry off their pilgrimages to Jerusalem. People who tried to, were kidnapped and held for ransom. These Turks were despoiling this Holy Place of the Christian Church. He also wished for them to end the fighting amongst themselves. Urban gave his speech, hoping to entice people to join. .
             To those who took the cross, and to their families and property, the Church extended its protection. Within the jurisdiction of the episcopal courts they could gain respite from their debts, while their property, for the period of the pilgrimage, would enjoy the same exemption from secular control as did church property.


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