The establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Muslim response (OCR GCSE History B (Schools History Project)): Revision Notes
The establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Muslim response
The crusader states were a series of Christian kingdoms established during the First Crusade in the region of the Holy Land. At the heart of the region was Jerusalem, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.
Crusader States
Map showing the crusader states
On 22 July in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a council was held to establish a king for the new Kingdom of Jerusalem with two particularly recognised as the leaders of the Crusade:
Raymond IV of Toulouse
Though Raymond was wealthier and more powerful, he refused to become king, perhaps attempting to show his piety.
Godfrey of Bouillon
Godfrey, on the other hand, did not hesitate like Raymond and accepted the position, becoming the first king of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Baldwin I
Unfortunately, Godfrey was only able to lead for one year as he died on 1100. His brother Baldwin of Flanders succeeded him, taking the royal title of Baldwin I.
With regards to military power, Jerusalem had the help of the military order of the specialist knight-monks who were the best trained fighting men in the Levant: Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller.
Knights Templar
Knights Hospitaller
Disagreements on beliefs about Jerusalem
Jerusalem was very important to three major religions particularly: Christianity, Islam and Judaism. As a result, the existing three religions in Jerusalem led to clashes and disagreements.
Christians
For Christians, Jerusalem was the site of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Muslims
For Muslims, Jerusalem was the place where prophet Muhammed ascended into heaven to meet Allah.
Jews
For Jews, Jerusalem was the land guaranteed to them by Abraham.
Exam Practise
Task 1
Read and study source A. From your understanding of the module, which part of the First Crusade was Cartwright referring to and why did he describe it as "barbarism"?
Source A
"The barbarism of the crusaders shocked even Christians and the episode would never be entirely forgotten or forgiven by the Muslim states."
- Mark Cartwright
Task 3
Study the image and then answer the question that follows. Using the details from Source C and your own historical knowledge, how can you describe the capture of Jerusalem?
Source C
Capture of Jerusalem. A depiction of the capture of Jerusalem in 1099 from a mediaeval manuscript.
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