What were the Crusades and why was Jerusalem so important?

The Crusades were a series of campaigns during the time of Medieval England against the Muslims of the Middle East.

In 1076, the Muslims had captured Jerusalem, the most Holy places to almost all religions.

Why?

because...

• Its in the centre of the christian calender and that's where Jesus lived.
• For muslims it's the site from which prophet muhammad (PBUH) was taken up to heaven.
• For jews it was the site of the holy temple built by King David which was the centre of jewish worship, even after the temple was destroyed.