The World and Its People

"The Crusades"

Introduction
In this chapter, you learned about the early history of Europe-from Classical Greece and the Roman Republic to the Protestant Reformation and the French Revolution. One of the significant events of Medieval Europe was the Crusades, a series of holy wars sponsored by the Christian Church to capture Jerusalem in Palestine from the Muslim rulers. In this activity, you will learn more about the first battles in this series of wars, the First Crusade.

Destination Title: The Story of the First Crusade

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Directions
Start at the Story of the First Crusade Web site.

• Scroll down the page to read a general overview of the First Crusade.
• Scroll up and click on People's Crusade at the top of the screen. Read the information.
• Click the "Back" arrow and then click on and explore the Siege of Antioch link at the top of the screen.
• Use what you have learned to answer the following questions.

1			When and why did the First Crusade occur?
2			What was the outcome of the People's Crusade?
3			How did the crusaders finally gain entrance to the city of Antioch?
4			Describe what happened when the crusaders entered Jerusalem.
5			Imagine that you are a crusader journeying to Jerusalem. Write a letter to your family at home, describing the sights, emotions, and living conditions you are experiencing.