RELIGIOUS WARS

The First Crusade ended on July 15, 1099, with the successful Siege of Jerusalem. 

The 7-week siege was carried out by Christian forces authorized by the Pope to end the tight Muslim control of the city so that Holy Pilgrimages to the area could resume.  In particular, the Crusaders were to be sure that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount were back under Christian control.

The Crusades continued for over 200 years, but the first one is noted in particular for its bloodiness and massacre of the Muslims and Jews.

The Crusades led to the establishment of several military honor groups, including the Knights Templar, the Teutonic Knights, and the Hospitallers.

Beside establishing the Christian rule in the area, there were many knights on a mission for treasure.  Religious artifacts from the Crusades abound in European cathedrals.  Notre Dame is home to the Crown of Thorns, while the head of John the Baptist is claimed by at least 4 sites.  Both Valencia and Genoa claim to have the Holy Grail although legend has it that the Knights Templar secreted it away and even to this day guard its location.

This map of Jerusalem from 1595 is by the rebel cartographer of his day, Florimi.  He just had to be a little different in his work.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.