The Crusades: Holy wars that reshaped history

Few military campaigns have changed the course of history more than the long, bloody Holy Crusades that lasted for two and a half centuries. They began with the Catholic Church's quest to dominate the holy city of Jerusalem, and led to the loss of countless lives, the rise and fall of numerous kingdoms, the demise of one of Europe's most important cities, the establishment of long-lasting secret societies, and a permanent shift in the geopolitical position of Eurasia. Popes, kings, merchants, and peasants all contributed to these wars, and those who understand their history also have a better understanding of modern Europe.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Crusades.