The“Crusades” began in the 11th century. They were aseries of wars and expeditions by people of Western Europe to theArab countries in the Middle East. The initial motivationbehind the expeditions was to remove the Islamic influence form theHoly Lands (mainly the city of Jerusalem), but it was soon overtakenby greed. Many lives were lost as the killing during the numerousCrusade expeditions lasted 176 years.

       Thevalue of the Crusades in European history is still on debate. Somesay the Crusades contributed to the economic growth of some Italiancites, but others argue that Italian merchant would have pushed theirtrade with the East even without the Crusades. Critics have alsosuggested that it was exactly the economic prosperity of 11^{thcentury Europe that could fund such a large scale war. There is nodoubt that the Crusades strengthened Christians’ belief in God andreduced the threat of Islamic power on Europe. Therefore the 12thcentury became an age of optima and rebirth for Europe.}

      Yetit is estimated that 9 million people perished in the Crusades, bothChristian and Muslim. The Christian armies slaughtered solders, womenand children alike. They displayed the heads of their dead enemies onpoles, or sold them into slavery. They stole gold and silver from thecities they attacked, not before killing the inhabitants. Even Jewswere felled by the sword not meant for them. The Crusaders committedcruel and savage acts, contradicting the Christian virtues they sworeto uphold. The value of the Crusades thus remains questionable.