The Catholic Talk Show The Crusaders Were Heroes NOT Villains.
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Nov 3, 2025 J. Stephen Roberts, a medieval historian and creator of the Real Crusades History YouTube channel, teams up with Austin Kelly, producer of the Knights of the Cross series. They dive into the misunderstood legacy of the Crusades, arguing for the historical justification of these campaigns as a response to Muslim expansion. The discussion uncovers Richard the Lionheart's heroism and addresses how modern narratives often misrepresent the Crusaders. They also highlight the importance of understanding these historical contexts in light of contemporary views.
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Crusades As Defensive Response
- The Crusades began as a justified defensive response after centuries of Islamic military expansion into formerly Christian lands.
- J. Stephen Roberts frames them as Christendom pushing back to secure pilgrim routes and recover lost territories.
Opportunity From Imperial Weakness
- Early Muslim conquests exploited a weakened Byzantine and Persian world after prolonged wars.
- J. Stephen Roberts explains that this strategic context enabled rapid Islamic expansion into key Christian regions.
Armed Pilgrimage, Not Land Grab
- Much of the Crusading motivation was religious: protecting local Christians and regaining access to holy sites.
- Ryan DellaCrosse emphasizes crusaders saw their mission as an armed pilgrimage, not land-grabbing opportunism.
