How Did The Crusades Influence European Culture

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The Crusades were a series of Holy Wars that took place from 1095 to 1291, and were sponsored by the Christians to regain control of Jerusalem and spread Christianity. The Crusades positively influenced the economy of Europe by increasing the power of the lower and middle classes, the Crusader States, and the creation of guilds. The Crusades also influenced the culture of Europe by helping the growth of trade between Asia and Europe, which helped advance global navigation, the urbanization of Europe, and the centers of finance and trade. The Crusades also increased the European’s quality of life. In addition, Pope Urban II believed these Crusades could reunite the Greek Church of Byzantine, and the Roman Church of the west. The expenses to join the Crusades and become a Crusader were extremely costly. Soldiers were supposed to leave in groups and be able to pay for their journey across the continent. Most people could not afford to pay for the journey even after selling all …show more content…
Christian invaders brought European-styled feudal estates, which supervised agricultural production and trade. They introduced new architecture by constructing city gates, several churches, and public marketplaces in many cities including Jerusalem. The cultural exchange was mutual between the two groups. Crusaders were introduced to Arabian goods, for example: well-crafted silks, dyed cottons and glass. They bought Middle Eastern furniture and other goods, and then took them back to Europe. Also a new interest in Arabian goods resulted in the growth of trade between Asia and Europe. Italian port cities such as Pisa benefited first because they were entry points into Europe. Overtime, the goods that came into Europe did more than just increase trade. They also contributed to the advance in global navigation because sea merchants tried to find shorter trade