The Second Crusade was a significant military campaign of the medieval Crusades era, occurring from 1147 to 1149. It was initiated in response to the fall of the County of Edessa to the Zengid Dynasty in 1144, which was one of the first states established by the Crusaders in the Levant.
Background
Preaching the Crusade
- Pope Eugene III issued the bull Quantum praedecessores in 1145, calling for a new Crusade. This was the first papal bull specifically calling for a Crusade.
- Bernard of Clairvaux was instrumental in preaching the Crusade, promoting it across Europe.
Leadership
Major Campaigns
- German and French Campaigns: Both King Louis VII and King Conrad III led their armies separately. Conrad's forces suffered heavy losses due to the Seljuk Turks' attacks before reaching Byzantine Empire territory.
- Siege of Damascus: After arriving in the Holy Land, the Crusaders decided to attack Damascus instead of attempting to recapture Edessa. This siege, however, was a complete failure due to logistical issues, internal discord, and effective defense by the Muslims.
Outcome
- The Second Crusade is generally considered a failure. It did not achieve its primary goal of recapturing Edessa, and the attack on Damascus ended disastrously.
- The failure had significant political and religious repercussions in Europe, questioning the divine mandate of the Crusades.
Legacy and Impact
- It led to a reevaluation of the Crusading movement, with more emphasis on personal piety and less on military success.
- It also contributed to the rise of Saladin, who would later unify Muslim forces against the Crusader states.
Sources
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