Welcome to the Crusades, Episode 3: Baghdad and Cairo, 1096
American Prestige
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Battleground of Beliefs: Control Over Jerusalem
This chapter examines the historical and religious significance of control over Jerusalem, exploring the interplay of various powers such as the Fatimids, Seljuks, and Turkic mercenaries during a tumultuous period. The discussion highlights the shifting policies of influential leaders like the Fatimid Caliph al-Hakim and their impact on Christian pilgrimage, particularly focusing on the destruction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Additionally, it addresses the role of religious sentiments and perceptions that contributed to the urgency of the First Crusade, revealing the complex narrative surrounding anti-Christian sentiments at the time.
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