The First Crusade

A Call for Battle

November 27th, 1095 - 

          In the Council of Clermont, Pope Urban II stood in front of large crowd preparing to give a speech that would change the whole world.

          "Ahem." The Pope looked across the filled room. "Everybody, may I have your attention please?"

          All eyes turned at looked at the Pope as silence began to spread across the room. The silence was interrupted as the Pope started to speak once again.

          "As I am sure you all know, our Holy Land has been taken from us. I'm certain the Seljuk Turks will stand their guard to prevent us from taking it back." The Pope stood tall as he looked in the people's eyes. "This is why I'm calling for action with all of your help."

          Gasps and murmurs were exchanged within the crowd of confused faces.

          "It may seem impossible, but with the poor and rich combined our power will be undefeatable!" The Pope, now filled with passion for the Lord, yelled with excitement across the Council. "For our lord and savior, this is the least we should do. Those who willingly give their lives for our God will be freed from sin. Jerusalem is the Holy Land for only us righteous Christians. No Turk or Muslim should have the power there!"

          The crowd, once silent, now burst with energy. It seemed like everyone was as dedicated as the Pope for this cause.

          "We can unite and take back our Holy Land!" The Pope boomed his final statement, "Therefore, I declare that on the fifteenth of August, we will defeat the lowly Muslims and take back the Holy Land of Jerusalem!"

          The crowd erupted as Urban made his way to the exit. Among the crowd, people were talking to each other.

          "What good does battle do to our economy?" questioned a European noble. "I'm worried it'll do more harm than good, even if it is for God."

          "Think about it," said another noble, "it'll most likely help our wealth than anything else."

          "You're right!" chimed in another noble. "With conquest and battle, land, wealth, and riches will be coming our way!"

          "Maybe this isn't such a bad idea after all!" exclaimed the first noble. "Let's take back the Holy Land!"

          "Yeah!" exclaimed everyone in unison, as they paraded out of the hall with a new desire and motive.