Origins of the Crusades
History: KS3, topic 2.3.1
The Holy Land
Jerusalem and the Holy Land (biblical Israel and Palestine) were important religious sites for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
The Islamic Empire
- The Islamic Empire began in 7th Century AD.
- At its height, the Empire covered land between India and Spain.
- Arab Muslims conquered the Holy Land in 638 AD. As such, they believed it was rightfully theirs.
Islam’s claim on the Holy Land
- Jerusalem was particularly important to Islam, this was because it was where Prophet Muhammad was believed to have ascended to Heaven in 621 AD.
- Muslim pilgrims went to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque (the mosque where Muhammad spoke before going to the heavens).
Christianity’s claim on the Holy Land
- However, Islam was not the only religion to hold a claim on Jerusalem and the Holy Land.
- According to the Bible, Jerusalem was where Jesus Christ had died.
- The body of Jesus Christ, according to Christians, was buried in Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was believed to be built on his tomb. For centuries, many Christians went on pilgrimages to the Church.
Judaism’s claim on the Holy Land
- Similarly, Jews also staked a claim on the Holy Land.
- According to the Torah, Jerusalem was where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac (his son) for God.
- It was also believed that King David (king of the Jews) established Jewish rule over Jerusalem in 1,000 BC.
Test yourself on Origins of the Crusades
When did the Islamic Empire begin?