Session Six

The Crusades

Introduction: The sixth session session reviews the Christian Crusades against the Islamic empire. Our review begins with reading Thomas Madden's (2014) The Concise History of the Crusades (p. 14-190) and then viewing documentary "The Crusades: Crescent and Cross" which details the long and sordid history of conflict between Christian Europe and the Islamic empire.

After having completed the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying video you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Reading: Thomas Madden (2014) The Concise History of the Crusades (p. 14-190)

Video: The Crusades: The Crescent and the Cross (Part One) & (Part Two)

Study Questions:

  1. Who called for the first crusade and why?
  2. What was the outcome of the first crusade?
  3. The second crusade took place under the auspieces of the "Lating Kingdom." Please explain?
  4. What was the outcome of the third crusade?
  5. What was the "Reconquista?"
  6. What was the importance of the Cathar Heresy in Europe?
  7. How did the Albigensian Crusade end?
  8. What was the "Children's Crusade"?