why were european knights willing to risk their lives during the crusades?

Question

knights were willing to fight for there king

Answer 1

The Crusades came at a time where the European population was beginning to expand quickly. Junior sons of minor nobles had a difficult time making a name for themselves. The Crusades offered them the opportunities to make a name for themselves, gain wealth, and do so "for the Church". It also offered a way out of the boring routine of being a minor noble. On Crusade, one didn't have to worry about listening to endless peasant disputes or going to lengthy prayers in the local chapel or any of a number of other drudgeries that came with running a fief. Finally, some went simply because they enjoyed killing and if you can kill "for the Church", so much the better.

We misunderstand the Crusades a great deal and every new book on them seems to come out with a more PC tone than the last that Europeans were bad and Muslims were just minding their business. That is a distorted view so I'd recommend sticking to older books on the Crusades if you want to research more. Stephen Runciman is still among the best Crusader historians with his 3 volume set (A History of the Crusades).

Answer 2

To be able to understand their motives you have to toss out every PC, Modern and pre conceived notion you have. It was a matter of faith for some, Profit for others, adventure for a few and salvation for many.

In a time where all you had was the clothes on your back, maybe a little food and the church, there was little else to base your life on. The church was your guide, and your faith was the only thing tying you to this earth as far as you are concerned. The only educated ones were the Clergy and some times the nobles so you had to turn to them for guidance. Faith was a powerful weapon and tool on both sides of the conflict, Knights had to epitomize the meaning of faith and dedication. This may or may not have meant fighting for a lord, it could mean grouping together to support a cause as was seen with the Templar and the Hospitallers, they were men who were dedicated to protecting the pilgrims on their way to seek salvation.

Then again some were mercenaries; profit was a major player in the crusades, for many stories of cities filled with rare and alien treasures seemed like a dream come true for poor and improvised people, some Nobles who sprung up in the holy lands were peasants who made fortunes raiding and sacking the lands they later went on to rule. Granted profit was not necessarily a strong reason, the Fall of Ocher and the end of the Christian power bloc was started by French Mercenaries, and yes they actually fled before the real fighting started, no not being bigoted its true.

Then like now the call of adventure was too much. Some one who has never seen the lands beyond his land of birth might feel the urge to go out and see things he had never even imagined possible. Cities in the heart of a sea of sand? Horses that carry their own water under their skin? Buildings where the lord Jesus did (fill in the blank) … It has a powerful draw, especially in a time without television where things like that may be easy to see from the comfort of home.

And of course Salvation, the Pope claimed going out and taking back the land of Jesus from the heathens would save the soul. When your life has been full of sin (it’s not like today there was a serious fear of hell and damnation back then) and the only thing you can do is sacrifice your self to save your self, then the offer seems to good to be true.

In a modern world it seems almost foolhardy, quixotic and arcane, but in the time of the crusades it could really be a mater of life and death or salvation and damnation.

If you want to know why Knights when on crusades, or anyone else for that matter, simply ask yourself what would you be willing to fight for, die for and sacrifice for and what would it take you to do so? Because that’s what the Crusaders had to do, for right or for wrong, they answered that question and it took them to the Holy lands.

Answer 3

Because it was demanded from God (or at least God's representative on earth - the pope), and therefore they'd get a lovely life in heaven if they died serving him (where have we heard that before?).

The king would also promise them land, titles and wealth. Many knights who distinguished themselves became lords in the Holy land once it was conquered, and helped themselves to all the loot they could plunder.

Answer 4

Their up bringing was very different. A different value system was installed in them. They didn't sit at home all day watching TV and life was more of a fight for them. It was nothing for them to risk all. Still, I bet they had their fair share of cowards.

Answer 5

Its not necessarily fighting for their king. They were fighting for the Pope to take back Jerusalem.

Answer 6

which one the first?the first one they went because they beleived in some one like a monk,the second one many of them were theif and murderers and they want to take advantage,and the third on were only kids who were sold as slaves

Answer 7

Muslims arnt the only ones who can throw a good Jihad every now and then

Answer 8

because the king was their lord/ "god". the sworn to protect him and for their country

Answer 9

Because the quality of their lives was crap anyway - most of them would rather be dead...!!!