Unit 2
Introduction
This unit covers the Second Crusade and adds in the internal history of the Crusader States, from 1100 to the fall of Jerusalem. It also widens our scope to include the Islamic, Byzantine, and European context.
The Second Crusade was important because it began to formalize the "rules" of Crusading. The events of the First Crusade were unique, and there was no particular reason to think those circumstances would ever be repeated. But Pope Eugenius both repeated the rhetoric and promises, and he laid out the terms and conditions more formally. A precedent had already been set; with the Second Crusade, that precedent was turning into an institution.
The Second Crusade also showed that crusading could be a tool used elsewhere besides the Holy Land. Nothing much came of the expeditions in Portugal and Germany, but here again, a precedent had been set. The Pope could call a crusade and could name his own enemy.
When you look at the history of Outremer itself, get the basic chronology clear first. From this base you can begin to ask more interesting questions about why the Crusader States were able to survive at all, and how the Catholic Christians adapted to their new home. This will help you understand what happened as each successive Crusade arrived in the Holy Land.
Finally, by looking at the general history of the participating civilizations (Europe, Islam, Byzantium), we can understand better the context for the Crusades; in particular, why they were called, who answered that call, and why.