Writing assignment: Answer two of the following questions.
(1) What are some common misconceptions about the Crusades, and why are they incorrect?
One misconception is that the crusaders were only going on the crusade for wealth. This is quite opposite from the truth, as going on a crusade was a large financial burden. The equipment for the crusade was very costly. The real motivation for going on crusade is very religious, trying to defend Christian landmarks as well as recieving forgivness for their sins. Another misconception is that the crusades were unprovoked. The reality is the Byzantine Empire was losing territory to the Turks. The crusades were partly to recover Christian lands.
(2) Based on the different versions of Pope Urban II’s speech, discuss the main themes in the Pope’s remarks.
One of the themes in Pope Urban II’s speech was the suffering of the Byzantine Christians at the hands of the Turks. He described the desecration of churches, the occupation of Christian lands, and the torture of pilgrims. This helped create a sense of urgent universal Christian solidarity, framing the military expedition as an act of charity. Another theme was the appeal to the European nobility and knightly class. At the time, Western Europe was plagued by feudal warfare. The Pope called on these knights to stop fighting one another, and redirect their resources to a more holy cause.
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