The Council of Clermont - 1095
LO: To assess the motivation for Urban’ call.
Glossary Terms • Battle of Manzikert • Anatolia
• Investiture Contest • Pilgrimage
• Alexius I Comnenus • Pope Urban II
• The Papal Indulgence
• Cluniac Tradition
• Penance
The Rise of the Seljuk Turks • In 1071 the Byzantine Empire lost a decisive battle at Manzikert to the growing Seljuk Empire. • A key loss in this battle was the area of Anatolia, where the Byzantines recruited their military. • Desperate for a force that he didn’t have, the Byzantine ruler Alexius Comnenus, looked West for help.
The Call to the East • In 1095 Byzantine emperor Alexius I sent envoys to the west requesting military assistance against the Seljuk Turks. • The message was received by Pope Urban II at the Council of Piacenza. • Later that year, in November, Urban called the Council of Clermont to discuss the matter further
The Council of Clermont • On November 18 to November 28, 1095, Urban called a meeting to discuss Alexius’ request. • Read the information and discuss what Urban preached.
“Let those who have been accustomed unjustly to wage private warfare against the faithful now go against the infidels and end with victory this war which should have been begun long ago. Let those who for a long time, have been robbers, now become knights. Let those who have been fighting against their brothers and relatives now fight in a proper way against the barbarians. Let those who have been serving as mercenaries for small pay now obtain the eternal reward. Let those who have been wearing themselves out in both body and soul now work for a double honour.�
The Call to the East • Read the information sheets, note down as many factors to Urban’s call as you can. How do these compare to the previous information? • Now with a partner, reorganise these factors into short and long term factors.
The Role of the Individual Complete your ROI sheet for Urban II.
Exam Question Explain why Pope Urban II called the First Crusade. (12 Marks)