History | Ancient History on Instagram: "The Crusades were a series of religiously motivated military campaigns waged between the 11th and 13th centuries, primarily between Western European Christians and various Muslim powers over control of the Holy Land and sacred sites such as Jerusalem. Sparked by Pope Urban II’s call in 1095, the First Crusade drew thousands of knights, soldiers, and pilgrims who sought both spiritual reward and earthly gain, ultimately capturing Jerusalem in 1099 and esta

The 9th on Instagram: "Of the traditional eight “major” Crusades to the Holy Land, most were called by the Pope, with the exception of the Third Crusade, which was launched by secular rulers, and others whose Papal sanction is debated, such as the Fourth and Sixth Crusades. There is no official consensus on the numbering of the Crusades, but a significant number of the religiously motivated military campaigns had Papal approval. The “Official” Crusades While the term “Crusades” is sometimes appl