Violence and brutality under medieval Christianity. A comparative analysis of the first and sixth crusades

Term Paper , 2018 , 15 Pages , Grade: 8

History of Europe - Middle Ages, Early Modern Age

The Crusades are, despite the fact the first one took place almost thousand years ago, still an often debated topic, both for their historical significance all over Europe and the Near East and for their religious-moral aspect, as well as for their brutality. It is not surprising that these journeys have such a lasting impact on both our memory and historic debate considering their incredible impact and global relevance. This paper explores the question of why the first crusade was so much more violent than the sixth, for which the answer lies in the motivations of involved parties. It is separated into two parts. First,it discusses the events of the first and sixth crusades to prove the first one was especially brutal compared to another, much more peaceful one. This forms the basis of the research question. To answer it, the second part discusses the motivations of different parties involved in the first and sixth crusade. Why did the main figures of the crusades command their people to march to Jerusalem? Why did all these people from different social status, culture and even different religions attack the holy city and murder hundreds of people? Why didn't they two hundred years later? In this chapter, I will focus on pope Urban II, emperor Frederick II and the crusaders themselves.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• 1. Was the first crusade more violent than the sixth?
• 1.1 The first Crusade
• 1.2 The sixth Crusade
• 2. Why was the first crusade more brutal?
• 2.1 Pope Urban II
• 2.2 Emperor Frederick II
• 2.3 The crusaders
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to explore the reasons behind the violent nature of the First Crusade compared to the Sixth Crusade. It delves into the motivations of various key figures and participants, analyzing their actions and the historical context surrounding these events. The essay aims to uncover why the first crusade witnessed such brutality, especially in comparison to the sixth.

• The historical significance and lasting impact of the Crusades on Europe and the Near East.
• The religious and moral aspects of the Crusades and their connection to violence.
• The motivations and actions of key figures involved in the First and Sixth Crusades, including Pope Urban II, Emperor Frederick II, and the crusaders themselves.
• The role of religious ideology and political aspirations in fueling the violence of the First Crusade.
• The historical context surrounding the First Crusade, including the tensions between Christianity and Islam.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: Introduces the topic of the Crusades and their enduring significance. Highlights the debate surrounding the brutality of the First Crusade and its contrasting nature compared to the Sixth Crusade. Outlines the scope and structure of the essay.
• Chapter 1: Was the first crusade more violent than the sixth?: This chapter serves as a reminder of the events of the First and Sixth Crusades. It focuses on recounting the historical narrative to demonstrate the significant difference in violence levels between the two crusades, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis of motivations.
• Chapter 1.1: The First Crusade: This section provides a detailed account of the events leading up to and during the First Crusade, focusing on Pope Urban II's call for the crusade, the motivations of the crusaders, and the violent conquest of Jerusalem. The massacre of civilians during the conquest is highlighted as a central example of the crusade's brutality.
• Chapter 1.2: The Sixth Crusade: This chapter explores the events of the Sixth Crusade, contrasting it with the First Crusade. It examines the motivations of Emperor Frederick II and the overall atmosphere surrounding this particular crusade, emphasizing its comparatively peaceful nature.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The essay explores the theme of Christian brutality in medieval times, focusing on the First and Sixth Crusades. It delves into historical analysis, examining the motivations and actions of key figures like Pope Urban II, Emperor Frederick II, and the crusaders themselves. The essay explores the role of religious ideology, political aspirations, and the broader historical context of the Crusades, particularly the tensions between Christianity and Islam. It examines the violence witnessed during the First Crusade, including the massacre of civilians in Jerusalem, and contrasts it with the more peaceful nature of the Sixth Crusade.

• College: VU University Amsterdam
• Grade: 8
• Author: Cornelia Jürgens (Author)
• Publication Year: 2018
• Pages: 15
• Catalog Number: V1119520
• ISBN (eBook): 9783346484567
• ISBN (Book): 9783346484574
• Language: English
• Tags: violence, christianity