The Crusades In The Middle Ages

The Prophet Isaiah was told by the Lord, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This verse describes a new beginning similar to how the Church helped to reform the lives of the citizens in the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages was a period in European history dating from 476 AD - 1500. It has been titled many different ways; ranging from the Faith, Golden, Feudalistic, and/or Dark Ages. It can be proven that it was an age of faith over any other because of the power of the church, the effect of the crusades, and the devotion that people gave to the church.

They first piece of evidence that shows that the Middle Ages were an Age of faith was the effect and power the Catholic Church and Pope had on

In 1095-1291 there were military expeditions send out the capture what the citizens thought was their rightful holy land that had been invaded by Muslims. These expeditions were called the Crusades, or also known as the Holy Wars. The Crusades were usually organized and promoted by the Pope and/or the Roman Catholic Church. The Crusaders promoted the Christian faith by using the cross as their military symbol. Many believed that the cross made them invincible against the Muslim armies. Also, when the Crusaders attacked places they would chant, ‘Deus Vult’, meaning ‘God Wills it.’ (Class Discussion) There were four total crusades, with the first being considered the most effective. The first crusade was launched by Pope Urban II and was the only one to successfully recapture the Holy Land of Jerusalem. The positives of the Crusades were: increased trade, a sharing of new knowledge, ideas and culture, and lastly the decline of Feudalism. The decline of Feudalism thus further proves that the Middle Ages were an Age of