The Second Crusade Flashcards
Who called the Second Crusade?
Eugenius iii
When was the Second Crusade called?
1145
What papal bull was used in the calling of the Second Crusade?
‘Quantum Praedecessores’
Why was the Second Crusade called?
(The situation in the East)
- The fall of Edessa in 1144
- The rise of Zengi
- The rise of the Jihad movement and the Islamic Empire
Why was the Second Crusade called?
(Papal Ambition)
- To re-unite the churches (Schism in the 1130’s, as John ii Komnenos was anti-Latin and had attacked Antioch twice in 1137 and 1142. However, John had already died by 1142, before the crusade was called)
- To extend papal authority (Would have control over two monarchs as well as numerous Lords)
- To consolidate more land and improve the position of Outremer
Why was the Second Crusade called?
(Religious Conviction)
- Zengi was a ruthless leader who was feigned for his violent approach
- To re-direct the violence of the knightly classes, and the wars of the European kings
- ‘Quantum Praedecessores’ focused on the legacy of the First Crusade
- To restore the religiosity of Europe through an act of penance
Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(A lack of clear aims)
- Pilgrims were encouraged to go on the crusade, which caused a shortage of supplies
- Conrad did not wait for Louis at Constantinople, which caused miscommunications between the two, and strained their relations
Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Muslim Unity)
- The rise of Zengi
- The utilisation of jihad
- Unur and Nureddin’s relationship had improved (Nureddin had married Unur’s daughter)
- Unur and Nureddin prevented an attack on Damascus (Nureddin sent troops to Unur in Damascus)
Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Poor leadership)
- The attack on Damascus was a strategic disaster (The crusaders chose a position with very little water and supplies, and were ultimately forced to withdraw from the attack)
- Thousands of pilgrims slowed down the crusade
- A lack of discipline towards the pilgrims
- Louis did not prevent the crusaders from terrorising the local markets
Why did the Second Crusade fail?
(Byzantine hostility)
- Manuel did not open the gates of Constantinople for Conrad (Conrad’s army had to camp outside of the city’s walls)
- Manuel spread false rumours about Conrad’s successes in Asia minor.
- The Byzantine Empire were too busy trying to gain economically from the crusaders
- The Byzantine Empire charged high prices at the markets
What were the 3 phases of the Second Crusade?
- The Wendish Crusade through the Baltic region, against the Pagans
- The Iberian Crusade, against the Umayyad Caliphate
- The Crusade to the Holy Land
When was the attack on Damascus?
July 1148
How many men were at the attack on Damascus?
50,000
What was agreed at the Council of Palmarea?
Edessa was ruled out as a target, and Damascus was chosen instead
Why did people join the Second Crusade?
(Economic reasons)
- Potential land and booty to be gained
- Highly expensive to come on crusade, however
