JBromely

__**THE FIRST CRUSADE: A NEW HISTORY: THE ROOTS OF CONFLICT BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM**__

__Holy War Proclaimed__ This chapter discusses Pope Urban II's reasoning behind initiating the First Crusade and also why people were so eager to answer his call. In 1095, Urban delivered a speech outlining a plan to go to Jerusalem and take it back from Islamic hands. During that time, Muslims were acting aggressively towards Christians of the eastern part of Byzantine Empire. They asked for military assistance from Christians of the West. By answering this call for help, Pope Urban II could establish good ties with the Byzantines again. Also, Urban was trying to establish his power as Pope. He wanted Rome and the Christian church to be the primary world influence. Followers of the Roman Pope took up arms for a few reasons. Some viewed this crusade as the ultimate way to clear sin. Others wanted to avenge the horrific crimes they were told the Muslims committed. But the main reason many went to fight is because they felt obligated. Pope Urban II had convinced many Christians they were "vassals of Christ" and owed their "lord" God military service. At the end of it all, many believed they were guaranteed everlasting paradise for fulfilling their duty.

__Afire With Crusading Fever__ In this chapter, Asbridge talks about how careful Pope Urban II was to publicise and make known his crusading project. The First Crusaders' lives are investigated, and reasons are given for them being selected, and their reasoning to go. Some of these crusaders are Adhémar of Le Puy, Raymond of Toulouse, Bohemond of Taranto, Tancred of Hauteville, Duke Godfrey of Bouillon, Hugh of Vermandois, Robert Curthose, Stephen of Blois, and Robert II of Flanders. The chapter shows how the crusading party was indeed one body, but made up of very different parts. Since knights came from throughout Europe, they divided themselves by where they came from. They followed which ever crusader was from their region. Another crucial part of this crusading body was the peasants, members of the "People's Crusade". They followed a man called Peter the Hermit, a charismatic preacher not affiliated with the church.

__The Journey to Byzantium__