Crusader Jerusalem

The Crusades were considered "holy wars" which mostly included battles between Roman Catholic forces and Muslims. It also heavily influenced a re-capture of Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Islamic rule. The main catalyst behind the Crusades was the calling of Pope Urban II to the Christian public to spread Christianity and defend their faith in 1095. In addition, Christianity's popularity and growth was being challenged by the Muslims. The first crusade was mostly a band of ill-prepared peasants who were ultimately slaughtered by the Muslims. The nobles and wealthier population waited in order to purchase the necessary supplies and plan accordingly. The 1st Crusade was successful in conquering Jerusalem under Godfrey de Bouillon, deemed "King of Jerusalem." The 2nd Crusade was preached by St. Bernard at Vezelay in 1147. Finally, on July 4, 1187 Salah ad-Din traps the Crusaders at the Horns of Hattin.

During this period, many new churches were built in Jerusalem and various quarters of Jerusalem (the Patriarch's quarter, the Templar's quarter, the Syrian quarter, and the Armenian quarter) were established. Maps found from the Crusader period were instrumental in depicting Jerusalem and its quarters at this time. Among one of the most important of the Crusaders' accomplishments was the rebuilding of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Another was the building of the Church of St. Anne (Mary's mother). However, all of the glory of the Crusades quickly came to an end in 1187 CE when Salah ah-Din won the victory at the Horns of Hattins and Abuyyid Jerusalem was established.