Early Disputes Over the Holy Land
History: KS3, topic 2.3.2
Early Disputes over the Holy Land
Over the centuries, the Holy Land became increasingly contested. It became more difficult for Christian pilgrims to reach Jerusalem because of Muslim opposition.
Muslim Seljuk Turks
- In 1077 AD, Muslim Seljuk Turks seized the Holy Land.
- Under this Empire, it became increasingly difficult for Christians to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land.
- Rumours began to spread about how the Christians were being badly treated by the Seljuk Turks.
- Eventually, the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire turned to the Pope (leader of the Christian Church) for help against the Muslim threat.
The Pope's actions
- In 1095 AD Pope Urban II responded to the Byzantine Emperor’s plea.
- He declared that any knight would be forgiven of his sin if he went to Jerusalem on a Crusade.
- Crusades were military expeditions. The aim was to reclaim the Holy Land for Christianity.
- Knights rallied to this call to arms by “taking the cross” and sewing red crosses onto their clothes.
Test yourself on Early Disputes Over the Holy Land
Who seized the Holy Land in 1077 AD?
Who turned to the Pope for help against the Muslim threat?