The concept of the Crusades, a series of religious wars sanctioned by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages, has been a topic of significant historical and cultural interest. The term "Last Crusade" can refer to the Ninth Crusade, which was the final major Crusade and took place from 1271 to 1272. However, there were several smaller, less successful Crusades that occurred after the Ninth Crusade, often referred to as the "last" Crusades due to their relatively minor impact and the decline of the Crusading movement. Among these, five notable endeavors can be highlighted for their historical significance and the context in which they were undertaken.
Ninth Crusade (1271-1272)
The Ninth Crusade, led by Prince Edward of England, later King Edward I, is often considered the last major Crusade. It was launched in response to the fall of Antioch in 1268 and the general decline of the Christian states in the Levant. Although Prince Edward’s campaign had some successes, such as the capture of Nazareth, the Crusade ultimately failed to achieve its objectives due to the lack of support from other European leaders and the strong opposition from the Mamluk Sultanate. The Ninth Crusade marked a significant turning point, as it was one of the last attempts by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land through military means.
Shepherd’s Crusade (1320)
A decade after the Ninth Crusade, a peculiar movement known as the Shepherd’s Crusade emerged in 1320. This was a popular movement led by shepherds and peasants in northern France, aiming to rescue King Louis I of Navarre’s sons and to expel the Jews from France, as well as to go on a crusade. Although not an officially sanctioned Crusade, it reflects the ongoing sentiment and desire among the populace to engage in Crusading activities, albeit in a disorganized and ultimately unsuccessful manner.
| Crusade | Year | Leaders | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ninth Crusade | 1271-1272 | Prince Edward of England | Failed to achieve major objectives |
| Shepherd's Crusade | 1320 | Leaders among the shepherds and peasants | Disbanded, objectives not achieved |
| Alexandrian Crusade | 1365 | Peter I of Cyprus | Temporary success, ultimately failed |
| Savoyard Crusade | 1366-1367 | Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy | Limited success, relief of Gallipoli |
| Barbary Crusade | 1390 | Genoese forces, supported by French nobles | Failed to capture Mahdia, ended in stalemate |
Alexandrian Crusade (1365)
The Alexandrian Crusade, led by Peter I of Cyprus, was another attempt to counter Muslim forces in the region. This Crusade was notable for its initial success in capturing Alexandria, but it ultimately ended in failure as the Crusaders were unable to hold the city. The Alexandrian Crusade is often seen as one of the last significant Crusades, reflecting the ongoing conflict between Christian and Muslim forces in the Mediterranean.
Savoyard Crusade (1366-1367)
The Savoyard Crusade, led by Amadeus VI, Count of Savoy, was aimed at relieving the city of Gallipoli from Turkish control. This Crusade had limited success, managing to temporarily relieve Gallipoli, but it did not lead to any long-term control or significant territorial gains. The Savoyard Crusade represents one of the smaller, more localized efforts that characterized the later Crusades.
Key Points
- The Ninth Crusade, led by Prince Edward of England, is considered the last major Crusade, marking a significant decline in the Crusading movement.
- The Shepherd's Crusade, though not officially sanctioned, shows the ongoing popular support for Crusading activities among the populace.
- The Alexandrian Crusade, led by Peter I of Cyprus, had initial success but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives.
- The Savoyard Crusade, led by Amadeus VI of Savoy, managed to relieve Gallipoli temporarily but had limited long-term impact.
- The Barbary Crusade, undertaken by Genoese forces and supported by French nobles, ended in a stalemate, failing to capture Mahdia.
Barbary Crusade (1390)
The Barbary Crusade, launched in 1390, was one of the last Crusades and targeted the city of Mahdia in what is now Tunisia. Led by Genoese forces and supported by French nobles, the Crusade ultimately ended in a stalemate, with the Crusaders failing to capture the city. This Crusade is notable for its late date, occurring nearly two decades after the Black Death had ravaged Europe, further indicating the decline of the Crusading spirit and the inability of European powers to mount successful large-scale Crusades.
What were the primary reasons behind the failure of the last Crusades?
+The primary reasons behind the failure of the last Crusades include the lack of unified support among European powers, the decline of the Crusading spirit following significant losses and the Black Death, and the strong opposition from Muslim forces, particularly the Mamluk Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire.
How did the last Crusades reflect the changing political and religious landscape of Europe and the Middle East?
+The last Crusades reflected the changing political and religious landscape through the decreased papal influence, the rise of national identities, and the growing power of Muslim states. These factors contributed to the decline of the Crusading movement and the eventual failure of these late Crusades to achieve significant or lasting victories.
What legacy do the last Crusades leave in terms of historical and cultural impact?
+The last Crusades leave a legacy of continued conflict and tension between Christian and Muslim societies, influencing political, cultural, and religious developments for centuries. They also highlight the complexities and challenges of religiously motivated conflicts and the importance of understanding historical contexts.
