The Crusades
Troubles in the Middle East did not start fifty years ago or even a hundred years ago. Strife and turmoil in the Middle East began almost a thousand years ago, starting with a series of campaigns called The Crusades. The purpose of which, was to capture the Holy Land, placing it in Christian hands.
What were the Crusades?
The Crusades, quite simply, represented a series of religious, political and economic campaigns endorsed by the Catholic Church. The exact reasons vary, but over a dozen formal Crusades took place over a period of roughly two hundred years. The majority were fought over possession of the Holy Land, Jerusalem, considered the most sacred place on Earth for the religions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
Richard the Lionheart
King Richard I emerges as the most famous hero of the Crusades. This king, wanting to establish a Christian presence in the Holy Land and his own reputation, trekked into the Middle East to defeat the Muslim armies. In addition, he wanted to challenge the reputation of Saladin, a Muslim general that trounced English and French armies several times. Although Richard the Lionheart did not win over Jerusalem, he did make it possible for Christian pilgrims to travel there, while it remained under Muslim control.
Children's Crusade
One of the most infamous Crusades occurred in 1212. French and German children emerged with religious fever and decided that a massive immigration to Jerusalem would win over the Holy Land and defeat the Muslims. Thousands of children, unarmed, without supplies or defense, began the long march to the Holy Land. The majority died en route and the many of the survivors were sold for slave labor. Only a few children ever survived this tragic blunder.
Although Western powers spent countless lives and wealth on the Crusades, Western civilization eventually lost its place in the Holy Land. Today, Jerusalem belongs to Israel, a traditionally Jewish state. Visitors from all walks of life visit the holy relics, although turmoil remains in the region.