For thousands of years, the holy lands of the Middle East have been the focus of intensepolitical conflict. Thes e lands have been the sites wars of epic proportion between three
of the great religions of the world – C hristianity, Islam, and Judaism. The deepest
crevasse in these territories was created in wars between Christians and Muslims that
began with extreme sacrifice in the name of Christ and Mohammed. At stake for the
followers of both religions was the sacred land of Jerusalem, and control over the broader
region surrounding it. Of all Middle Eastern cities in the Middle Ages, Jerusalem has
suffered from the most troubling past. For Jews, it was the site of the Temples of Herod
and Solomon, to Muslims, it was the city where Mohammed ascended to heaven and to
the Christians it was the city where Jesus Christ, their Messiah, was crucified. What
happened to the Holy City? Who could attempt such a war of such widespread, yet
personal fanaticism, let alone win one?
The violent past of Jerusalembegan with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the time that
Christianity laid its foundation in the city. After 400 years of Roman occupation,
Jerusalem saw Christianity become the leading political and religious force. However, in
the 7th century, the Holy City was seized by leaders holding a different faith, Islam.
Over the course of several hundred years, a series of wars raged throughout this region.
Though these wars always carried elements of religious conflict, they were chiefly battles
to establish territorial control of these highly coveted lands. Through viewing the
Crescent and the Cross, students will be able to build their knowledge of this vital era in
world history and will discover the complex reasons why so many millions of people
were willing to give their lives in the service of these wars.
The Crusades: Crescent & The Cross details the history of Jerusalem from the Roman
leadership in the time of Christ through the Islamic-lead years to the heroic warriors and
tragic stories o f three chaotic and devastating Crusades. Spanning hundreds of years and
in the name of almighty leaders’ ideals, the Crusades were carried out by zealous popes,
kings, warriors, knights, men, women and children. Their personal stories of leadership,
triumph, heroics and demise will be chronologically detailed, revealing an accurate and
captivating portrayal of the infamous Crusades. Also, with expert opinions, interviewees
from all different faiths, translated scripts, maps of cities, trips to ancient battlefields and
castles, and extensive reenactments, the world’s most infamous conflict of religious zeal,
fanaticism, and violence comes to life.