THE CRUSADES
INTRODUCTION
The eleventh century Syrian poet, Abu 'l-'Ala al-Maarri wrote, "The world is divided into two sects, Those with religion but no brains. And those with brains but no religion." The Crusades were a series of military campaignsusually sanctioned by the Papacythat took place during the 11th through 13th centuries. Originally, they were Roman Catholic Holy Wars to recapture Jerusalem and the Holy Land from the Muslims, but some were directed against other Europeans, such as the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars of southern France and the Northern Crusades. The Fourth Crusade was originally intended to reach the Holy Land, but was re-directed by the Venetians against Constantinople.
Beyond the medieval military events, the word "crusade" has evolved to have multiple meanings and connotations. For additional meanings see usage of the term "crusade" below and/or the dictionary definition.
Historical background
The origins of the crusades lie in......
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