The Crusades is one of the best known battles that have taken place in the last two thousand years. While the name might sound familiar, there are many who do not know the details of this epic struggle for the piece of land known as Jerusalem. Beginners and history buffs alike should enjoy 'The Crusades – Crescent and The Cross,' a two part mini series which begins airing on The History Channel, November 6th at 9:00 PM.
What makes the story of the Crusades so unique lies in the men who fought the battles. Soldiers were willing to lay their lives down for their God, and not a political agenda. It was a spiritual cause. Of course, politics did play a role in the battles, teaching us that even those in power played the political game as long as a thousand years ago. The first two hour installment of the series focuses on the first Crusade. The city of Jerusalem was the most troubled city in the world at the time. One could make the point that things have not changed much over the past two thousand years. Over sixty thousand Christians joined together with the goal of recapturing the city. We learn very early about the power Pope Urban II possessed. Pope Urban II needed to put the Catholic Church back on the map, and the Crusades were his way of doing so. He fueled the fire, telling Christians they needed to regain Jerusalem. Any non-Christian was to be considered an enemy. While creating the divide between Christians and Muslins, Pope Urban II took things to the extreme, eliminating the sixth commandment, 'Thou Shall Not Kill.' If this wasn’t enough, Pope Urban II also granted anyone who fought in the Crusades a free ticket to heaven. Yes, the stakes were that high. A college education for going the army in modern times pales in comparison to the chance to be redeemed for all sins and travel straight to heaven.
A pious man named Godfrey of Bouillon was the leader of the first Crusade. His brother, Count Baldwin of Boulogne was his second in command, as the men set out on a three year journey to capture Jerusalem. They first travel to Constantinople, negotiating a deal with Emperor Alexius for food and other rations in return for lands that once belonged to the Byzantine Empire. What is a war without a double cross? After doing the heavy lifting at Nicaea, the Crusaders find that Alexius is far from a man of his word. The road then leads to a messy battle while trying to cross Asia Minor, known as the Battle of Dorylaeum. The siege of Antioch would be next. An eight month struggle ensues, and the city is only captured after a Muslim trader allows the Crusaders access to the city.
Believing they had been blessed with a miracle upon finding The Holy Lance, the lance that was believed to be used in the crucifixion of Christ, Antoich is taken as the Crusaders defeat the Muslims who have traveled from Syria. A year later, Jerusalem would be taken and the Crusaders, after dealing with three years of low rations, countless deaths, and constant battle, achieved their goal.
The second part of the mini series addresses the second and third Crusades. With all the effort put into this battle, did you think Islam would sit back and not come back fighting? The Muslin nation is under the leadership of Zengi, a man who plots to take the city back and is hailed as a true hero by his people. The great warrior Saladin recaptures the city of Jerusalem, ending the second Crusade and causing Richard the Lionheart to lead the third crusade for the Christians. While being able to defeat Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf, Richard is faced with a dilemma. He believes he can take Jerusalem, but the question is whether or not he will be able to hold onto it. All these years later, it seems to be a question that is still left without an answer.
One of the best aspects about 'The Crusades – Crescent and The Cross' are the interviews with a highly intelligent group of experts on the subject. Dr. Jonathan Phillips takes us on a journey of actual battle sites, which causes the stories to come alive and shows the full scope of what took place at these sites close to a thousand years ago. Dr. Taef El- Azhari provides us with the Muslim perspective of the battle, offering great insight and understanding of why thousands upon thousands would risk their lives to protect the land. Father Bernt Besch discuses the powerful influence that religion played in the lives of many of the warriors, and why they were willing to sacrifice everything to capture the lost city.
The Crusades is more of a fascinating tale than you can imagine. It is difficult to believe at times but this epic story is real and 'The Crusades – Crescent and The Cross' is better than any fictional film you might find on television. Simply put, it is a winner. Watching this two part series will put you directly into the action. Reward yourself with a true glimpse of history, the reasons and logic behind the battles, and an understanding of why this part of the world is still such a highly desired place.
'The Crusades –Crescent and The Cross' premieres Sunday, November 6th, 9pm/8c and concludes the following night, Monday, November 7th, 9pm/8c
