"Crusader" is a word that is heard even 1000 years after the appearance of the first of those who could be called that. Today, there are hundreds of versions and stories associated with their deeds, as well as their role in history. Some argue that these warriors were brave knights fighting for their faith, others called them barbarians, bringing only death and destruction. So, who is right in this dispute: adherents of the cross or the crescent?
Crusader: the meaning of the word in Russian
The word "crusader" came into our language a long time ago. Even though the Slavs did not participate in the Holy War in the East, rumors about this event even reached our lands. And why be surprised? This bloody battle lasted for more than one hundred years, and therefore thousands of merchants and travelers brought home news of it.
But back to our topic. Who are the crusaders? The definition of this word suggests that these are soldiers who participated in the battles for the Holy Sepulcher. In Russian, it comes from the expression "carry the cross." This meant both a direct meaning (each warrior had a cape with a sewn cross) and a figurative one (only a true believer could go on a campaign).
Who are the crusaders: a definition from history
If we consider this issue through the dry prism of history, then everything is quite simple. According to the official version, a crusader is a European warrior who participated in the crusades led by the Roman Catholic Church. The purpose of their army was to conquer peoples who professed other religions: Muslims, Jews and pagans.
As for victory, the pope firmly insisted that it could only be achieved when the Christians regained control of Jerusalem. After all, this city was the main shrine of Christians. The only problem was that other nations also believed in the holy power of this city, and therefore were not going to give it up without a serious fight.
Crusades
It is important to know that there were eight crusades in total. However, the end of this story could have been predicted after the third of them:
- The first crusade began in 1096 and lasted three years. It was a very successful series of battles, which made the knights of the church believe that their mission was really patronized by the Lord himself. In addition, the crusaders managed to capture Jerusalem, which made them real heroes in the eyes of their people.
- The second crusade began in 1147 and lasted only two years. The reason for it was the counterattack of the Muslims, who managed to gather a great army in half a century. It should also be noted that the commander of the Muslims was Salah ad-Din, whose wisdom was famous throughout the East. Thanks to his strategy, the warriors of Allah defeated the crusaders in the first battle, after which a series of endless defeats began for the Europeans.
- The Third Crusade began in 1189 and lasted three years. The capture of Jerusalem by Muslims in 1187 led to a new Holy War. However, as in the previous time, the crusaders were completely disappointed. All they could do was to recapture a small strip of land from the ancient city of Acre.
All subsequent crusades ended in complete fiasco for Christians. The last of these took place in 1270. It should be noted that the army of the papacy then lost the greater part of its men, without even taking part in a single battle. And the reason for this was an epidemic that took the lives of thousands of people.
Crusaders - holy knights or merciless barbarians?
Many believe that a crusader is a person with great spiritual and moral values. Such a stereotype arose due to the fact that the basis of their actions was the desire to serve the Lord. At least that's what the Catholic Church says.
However, unfortunately, the truth is very different from the sweet speeches of churchmen. The thing is that everyone was recruited into the ranks of the crusaders. And even the most vile person could easily fall into the holy army. The main thing was to say that you believe in your work with all your heart. Moreover, most of the soldiers were just such people. After all, service in the army meant a good salary and three meals a day, which for ordinary people was manna from heaven.
Therefore, it is not surprising that, in fact, not holy knights came to Jerusalem, but barbarian marauders, ready to kill and rape at the first order. In addition, each crusader was granted an indulgence - a document that forgives all sins. Therefore, even the most cruel and bloody massacres were eventually forgiven in the face of God.
Naturally, not every crusader is a bandit and a murderer. Among them were those who firmly believed in their cause and tried to honor the commandments of Jesus Christ. But, unfortunately, there were few of them. After all, even the church itself, the stronghold of the Catholic faith, first of all wanted to enrich itself, and only then - to save the souls of its wards.
