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Nov 27, 1095
Beginning of the Crusades
Pope Urban II called for a council of clergy to meet at Clermont in France, which they called the Council of Clermont. He wanted a crusade against the non-believers, or infidels. -
Feb 9, 1096
The First Crusade
The first Crusade's aim was to free the Holy Lands. It was led by Count Raymond IV of Toulouse, and was proclaimed by many wandering preachers, including Peter the Hermit. -
Jan 1, 1150
The Second Crusade
In the year of 1146, the city of Edessa was taken by the Turks, and the entire population was either slaughtered or sold into slavery. This event was the main cause of this Crusade. Crusaders prepared to attack Damascus. It was led by by Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III and by King Louis VII of France. -
Jan 1, 1187
The Third Crusade
The Third Crusade was caused by the capture of Jerusalem in 1187 by Saladin (the leader of the Moslem World). It was led by Richard the Lionheart of England, Philip II of France, and Holy Roman Emporer Frederick I. This Crusade ended when Richard I made a truce with Saladin. -
Jan 1, 1202
The Fourth Crusade
The fourth Crusade was initiated by Pope Innocent III. He tried to revive the plans of Pope Urban II i united the forces of Christendom against Islam. No king felt the same way, but some knights took up the vow. The crusaders captured Constantinople, instead of Jerusalem. -
Jan 1, 1212
Children's Crusade
About 30,000 French children assembled in bands and marched through towns and villages. They carried banners, candles and crosses. It was led by French peasant boy Stephen of Cloyes. -
Jan 1, 1217
The Fifth Crusade
This Crusade was led by King Andrew II of Hungary, Duke Leopold VI of Austria, and John of Brienne. Unfortunately, this was a failure because it did not change much. -
Jan 1, 1228
The Sixth Crusade
The sixth Crusade was led by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. He made a peace treaty with Al-Kamil, the ruler of Egypt that allowed Christians to rule over most of Egypt. Frederick II succeeded in securing the restoration of Jerusalem, and named himself king in 1228. -
Jan 1, 1248
The Seventh Crusade
This Crusade was led by King Louis IX, who later became known as St. Louis because of his devotion to God. This was a reaction to the loss of Jerusalem in 1244. The crusade was aimed at Egypt, the main Muslim power in the area. Through March 1250 his army retreated under pressure, until the Egyptians were ready to attack. Finally, at the battle of 'Fariskur' in 6 April 1250, the Egyptians broke the French infantry. Louis was captured, and was eventually released after the payment of a ransom. -
Jun 8, 1270
The Eighth Crusade
After Louis IX has gotten France organized, he wanted to try another Crusade. Louis IX started by attacking Tunis to command the ports and make the conquest of Egpyt. Unofrtunately, upon landing in Africa in 1270 much of the army became sick due to the water. Louis himself died during this Crusade.
