The Crusades were a number of conflicts (Religious Wars) in the medieval period that were sanctioned by the Church.
The most recognized and familiar of all the crusades were the ‘eastern Mediterranean’ crusades focused on re-claiming the holy lands from Muslim rule.
The Crusades spanned many centuries from around the Period: 1095 to 1492
During the period of the crusades the focus of the medieval knight turned towards the religious struggle to gain control of the holy lands which was under control of Muslim armies.
Control of different regions of the holy lands was constantly changing hands between ‘Christian’ and ‘Muslim’ domination during this period.
To protect Christian pilgrims who traveled through the holy lands, and to reclaim the holy lands for the Christian faith the orders of the ‘Knights Templar‘, ‘Knights Hospitaller’ and ‘Teutonic knights’ were formed.
Knights Templar Crusades
These crusades helped to clarify what the relationship was between chivalry and religion and to established ‘the moral code of chivalry’ during this new period of religious holy wars!
The Cody of Chivalry Rules for Medieval Conduct of a Medieval Knight
Christian armies and ‘Chivalry’ became more focused on ‘the divine’, ‘spirituality’, ‘supernatural powers and became more holy, sacred and devoted to a supreme being (God) in outlook!
Key elements of chivalry during this religious phase were the protection of the women, orphans, churches, and the weak and defenseless in medieval society
We hope you enjoyed this fast article on Chivalry and the crusades, if you would like to learn more about chivalry and the crusades please see links to other crusade articles.
