Renaissance Art

The Renaissance was a term originally from a French word that means “rebirth”. This rebirth occurred mostly in the art of the time. “About 1450, European scholars became more interested in studying the world around them. Their art became more true to life” (Source) This change was in their paintings and architecture. The artists were very important to this change and improvement of the art, many of them are still very well known today as in: Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Masaccio, and Brunelleschi. (Source) (Source)(Source, Google Books)

This new movement started in northern Italy and spread quickly through Europe. “The Renaissance patrons wanted art that showed joy in human beauty and life’s pleasures. Renaissance art is more lifelike than in the art of the Middle Ages. Renaissance artists studied perspective, or the differences in the way things look when they are close to something or far away. The artists painted in a way that showed these differences. As a result, their paintings seem to have depth.” (source) Giotto was the first to start this phase of art; he put real emotion into his paintings. This period of the Renaissance was where the impressionism and realism really prevailed into art. Examples of the paintings of this time are the, Mona Lisa, the Last Super, the Birth of Venus, the Marriage at Canon and many others. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The architecture of the Renaissance of also flourished. Churches were a major focus for the architects of the time the created what was called the gothic style. The most common feature of the era was the dome. Cathedrals would also have many different colors and often times the magnificent buildings would be accompanied by great paintings on the dome (the ceiling), the walls, just as the Sistine Chapel. It is also present in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the Duomo of Florence. This style originated from the Greeks and Romans, but was further enhanced and started in Florence, Italy. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)


The artist and architects were not just good at what they did; they did it with passion and poise. The phrase, the Sistine Chapel wasn’t built in a day, is very true because these artists put long hours into their work and it took multiple days and months. These artists did not just make art; they were shapers of their time and History. Various artists were Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Botticelli, Giotto, Donatello, Tintoretto, Veronese, Raphael, and many others. These people did not only make art they created something much more, they created timeless and priceless pieces of treasure with great meaning. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The Renaissance Art and Architecture started a new progression of History, it started impressionism, realism, Gothic architecture, and much more. “It influenced painting, sculpture, and architecture. Paintings became more realistic and focused less often on religious topics. Rich families became patrons and commissioned great art. Artists advanced the Renaissance style of showing nature and depicting the feelings of people. ” (source) The passion and dedication of the artists’ work is clearly seen through everything they did. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The most successful crusades were the first four, however there were numerous crusades following the first four. In fact, the Crusades went on until approximately 1300. The later crusades were not at all successful. The decline of the papacy also brought the decline of the European unity and power. This separation of the European powers was a great reason why the later crusades were unsuccessful. (source) (source)

To start, the Children’s Crusade was a complete failure. Despite the name there were not many children going on this crusade, in fact they used this name to refer to adults that had not yet grown up. However, to this day the legend is that thousands of young children under the age of 12 went on a crusade to try and recover the Holy Land. These adults did not at all succeed in completing their mission. On there was to the Holy Land they dropped off like flies. Many of those that traveled by boat were shipwrecked and died, the other crusaders that traveled by boat were taken to North Africa, were they were sold into slavery. Those on foot, settled on their way to the Holy Land. (source) (source)

The fifth and six crusades cam after this, but were no more helpful in taking back Jerusalem. The fifth crusade took 10 years to complete and still they did not have any different result in their efforts. At the start the main expeditions were to Egypt. Frederick II then made efforts to the Holy Land and succeeded in a treaty; however after being excommunicated he lost Jerusalem again, in 1244. The sixth crusade did not turnout much better; Frederick made very good efforts that led no where. By this time, the decline of the papacy’s power was evident. Part of the reason why the crusades kept becoming less successful was because only one power would go and fight, Europe was no longer united under the crusades. (source) (source) (source) (source, Google Books)

The seventh crusade was called the shepherd’s crusade and was an effort by Louis IX of France. This failed when he was captured in Egypt, after problems were caused by the Knights Templar. However the peasant movement still went on after their leader was captured. After causing many troubles however, the crusaders were excommunicated. The 8th crusade was again led by Louis IX of France, however this effort was much better organized than the last. Despite their better efforts, there were again defeated in Mansura, right were the crusaders had been defeated in the fifth crusade. The ninth crusade which ended all the others was deemed a complete failure on the efforts against the Baibars. (source) (source) (source, Google Books) (source, Google Books)

After this, the Crusaders and Europeans were attacked ruthlessly. The Middle Eastern people massacred many of their big cities killing all those that could not leave in time. The Crusaders were unable to fight back. The Crusades, if anything only slightly delayed the efforts of the Muslims. Of the numerous efforts by the crusaders, only one or two were “successful” and you can see through the numerous failures that the last crusades were not deemed “successful”. (source) (source)

4th Crusade

After the third crusade they had diverted from the Holy Land and had other plans. This specific crusade was encouraged by Pope Innocent III. The forth crusade was and effort to attack Egypt, the center of the Muslim world at the time. However the biggest effect this crusade had was on the city of Constantinople. However their efforts were not strong enough and did not bring much difference in the long run. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The fourth crusade is a great piece of interest to many historians and scholars. The crusaders’ first mission was to go into Egypt and essentially take out the source. The Christians while preparing for this attack went to the Venetians for assistance in transportation and supplies. The Venetians had agreed under the condition that they would first capture Zara, so they did and then were planning to go to Egypt after completing the Venetians task. However their plans changed when Alexius, son of Isaac Angelus called on the crusaders for help to recover Constantinople. Agreeing to this the crusaders prepared to then take back the center of the Byzantine Empire. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The Venetians agreed also to help them with this also. In fact they liked this idea a lot more because the Venetians were business men and having possession of Constantinople would increase trade throughout the Mediterranean. The Crusaders with the Venetians had cover the Naval aspect of the capturing the city and on land was Alexius and his men along with some French knights. Despite the pope’s thought on the subject the Crusaders ransacked the city of Constantinople in 1204. The manner of attack was not the shining moment of the Crusades for Christians. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

There was not a very exact account of what exactly happened when the crusaders sacked Constantinople, which makes historians and scholars interested in the event. One story is as this account says for example, “They burned down a great part of it; they slaughtered the inhabitants; they wantonly destroyed monuments, statues, paintings, and manuscripts - the accumulation of a thousand years. Much of the movable wealth they carried away. Never, declared an eye-witness of the scene, had there been such plunder since the world began.” (Source) However another account is this: “Meantime, Alexius had a assembled a large army for a counter-attack against the Franks. For some reason, however, his nerve failed him and he never made the attack. The Venetians in the meantime withdrew from the section of wall they had held, for they could not keep it without a victory on the Frankish side as well. Despite the fact that the Crusader assault had only partially succeeded, that night Alexius grabbed what wealth he could and fled the city with his daughter.” (Source) Each view of the battle can be different but yet the same dependent on the view. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

The ending effect was not great, years later the city was still captured. It had declined in faith from numerous barbarians picking away at it. Even when it did finally fall to the Turks, the down fall was blamed on the Venetians and the French for they only wanted the economic value of the city and did not look at its politics and military for the future. While although most of the crusades are not seen as a win per say they had a lasting and important effect on our history. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books)

3rd Crusade

“The Third Crusade, spanning the years 1187-92, was the most interesting of them all. It was the largest military endeavor of the middle Ages and it brought a fury of the entire Crusading movement to its zenith. Perhaps most important it brought two of the most remarkable and fascinating figures of the last millennium into conflict.”(Source)The Third Crusade had reason for being started, just as the first two crusades. This particular movement happened during the years of 1189 to 1192 and started because of the capturing of Jerusalem by Saladin. This specific crusade had many important figures to history which is very important to the foundation of Europe and eventually the Americas. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


Upon hearing that Jerusalem had been captured the Christians immediately went on another crusade. It was the first time that the Europeans united with each having strong leaders and strong armies. Richard the Lionhearted was successful in raising money for the Crusade, he went to the major extremes just to provide. In fact, “When some one expostulated with him on the means employed to raise money, he declared that "he would sell the city of London, if he could find a purchaser."” (Source) The first to die of the great leaders in this crusade was Frederick Barbarossa, the German Emperor. At the age of 72 this great leader with his army went on yet another Crusade. They fought through the Turks in Asia Minor and other many hardships, but many of these men, including Frederick drowned while crossing a river. The others were heartbroken from losing their fearless leader. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)

The Siege of Arce was the first and strongest victory during this Crusade, and it was by far the leading achievement during this expedition. The English and the French put together their efforts and arranged approximately 600,000 men. These numbers were outstanding and defeated the siege, despite Saladin’s strong efforts. The two leaders of this great victory were King Phillip from France and King Richard the Lionhearted from England. They combined created an unstoppable duo; however quarrels stood in the way of future successes. King Phillip went home as a result, and left King Richard in charge of the Crusade from then on; this was the time that Richard had to show his skills. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


King Richard the Lion-hearted conducted himself with greatness while fighting in the Holy Land. “The knightly adventures and chivalrous exploits which mark the career of Richard in the Holy Land read like a romance.” (Source) At the battle of Arsouf, September 7, 1191 King Richard was able to show his great tactical knowledge. Saladin had set and ambush to end the battles but King Richard had already pre-pared for this. Saladin now had greater respect for King Richard and decided never to pull a direct attack again. As a result of lack of supplies and the winter chill Richard was unable to put a siege on the Jerusalem and was in terrible circumstances. However a treaty was made between Saladin and King Richard and after this the Crusaders went home. “Both Richard and Saladin emerged from the Third Crusade with enhanced reputations, Saladin as the best of the infidels, and an honorable enemy, Richard as one of the great generals, and as a heroic knight.” (Source) (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


The big question that needs to be answered is, was it a successful Crusade? Well although Europe’s main goal of taking back Jerusalem was not completed the English and French captured Arce. Not to mention that every crusade slowed the progression of the Islamic movement. The Crusade also brought trade routes and new supplies to the European scene. “All in all, the 3rd crusade could be described as a successful crusade.” (Source) The Crusades are fascinating to look at, to see how old Europe interacted and what were the values of the people back then. It is seen that the values are much different now. The interaction during battles and the chivalry that knights had back then are all different from the interactions we experience now. The Crusades however still directly had an impact on what happened in the future. Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)

2nd Crusade

The Second Crusade was relatively pointless because their efforts were wasted on an unsuccessful voyage. Their motive how ever was good and with every Crusade the Europeans delayed the very aggressive Muslim movement. As a result of the higher archy system of the time leaders and the papacy had great influence on the Crusades. There were many different missions that were attached to the whole of the Second Crusade and despite the fact it was unsuccessful it did leave and impact. (Source) (Source) (Source, Google Books) (Source Google Books)

The launching of the Second Crusade was by urging the Cistercian Pope Eugenius by St Bernard of Clairvaux. Their main reason for launching the Crusade was because the Muslims had sacked Edessa in 1144 and their leader Nur al-Din was then forth advancing to Jerusalem. The first Royalty joined this Crusade which was why it was one of the most remembered Crusades. “It included the first Royal Crusaders - Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III, French King Louis VII and his then Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine” (Source) 300 women and some children also accompanied the Crusaders on their mission and to many of these people this Second Crusade was more of a voyage and pilgrimage than a war. (Source) (Source, Google Books)(Source, Google Books)

“The Crusade was a shambles which ended in a humiliating retreat. Bernard unfairly copped the blame for this situation, the real villains being the royal incompetents, some unhelpful politicking and strategy decisions by Eleanor, and the fact that for the first time they were up against a competent Moslem military commander.” (Source) “Of the great host that set out from Europe, only a few thousands escaped annihilation in Asia Minor at the hands of the Turks. Louis and Conrad, with the remnants of their armies, made a joint attack on Damascus, but had to raise the siege after a few days. This closed the crusade.” (Source) Both of these quote show just how unsuccessful the European efforts were on this second crusade, it seemed that anything the fought for failed. It was a terrible fight for the Europeans. (Source, Google Books)

The other factor that effected the European loss is the factor of disease and famine when forming a siege. This can lead to the idea that the Europeans that came over did not have the preparedness they thought they did. The French and the Germans were the most upset by their numerous losses, in addition to their leader. (Source)

The intentions of the European empires were good and purposeful; however their plan did not fall through as they thought. The win of the 1^st Crusade did not come again in the 2^nd Crusade. Part of this might have been the unprepairdness, this cause famine and disease to kill many people. The Europeans did however at least slow the progression of the Muslims to and extent.

1st Crusade

The Crusades are not understood well. Many people go by the idea the world tells, that the European Christians attacked the defenseless Muslims. This however is extremely wrong. The very first crusade was directed to save the city of Jerusalem, which had been captured by the Muslims. It was called upon by the Emperor Alexus I of Constantinople on November 27, 1095 and supported by Pope Urban II. The Crusades are not often described as a win, lose situation; so depending on that for a resultant is not good. In order to define the result you have to look at the effects and military stance as a result. (source)(source) (source,Google Books) (source, Google Books)

“The massacre of 3000 Christian Pilgrims in Jerusalem prompted the first crusade” (source) This disproves the idea that people have saying that the Europeans have no right in going to fight against the Muslims. Through this quote it is seen that the Muslims took their expansions too far by killing cold bloodedly. The Muslims had taken over the city and were converting many Christians and Jews to their religion. Those that did not convert then lived in very hard conditions and were forced to pay numerous taxes to the Muslims. (source) (source,Google Books)

People in the first crusade were very important in the result of the first Crusade. “Emperor Alexus I of Constantinople in launching the first crusade. He made one of the most influential speeches in the Middle Ages, calling on Christian princes in Europe to go on a crusade to rescue the Holy Land from the Turks.” (source) Many important people were involved in the Crusades such as: “Count Raymond of Toulouse headed a band of volunteers from Provence in southern France. Godfrey of Bouillon and his brother Baldwin commanded a force of French and Germans from the Rhinelands. Normandy sent Robert, William the Conqueror's eldest son. The Normans from Italy and Sicily were led by Bohemond, a son of Robert Guiscard, and his nephew Tancred.” (source)Many normal people also involved themselves in the crusade because they were told fighting in this would grant them eternal glory in the eyes of God. (source)

“The first assault made by the Christians upon the walls of the city was repulsed; but the second was successful, and the city was in the hands of the crusaders by July 1099. Godfrey of Bouillon and Tancred were among the first to mount the ramparts. Once inside the city, the crusaders massacred their enemies without mercy. A terrible slaughter of the infidels took place. For seven days the carnage went on, at the end of which time scarcely any of the Moslem faith were left alive.“(source) The Christians succeeded eventually and while they had the right to kill the Muslims because they had first killed. However, despite the justification the Christians should probably not have acted the way they did once inside the city. This crusade has a lot of connection to the way we have acted in the war on Iraq. (source)

“The First Crusade was the most successful from a military point of view.” (source, Google Books) The Crusaders succeeded in taking back the city therefore making it successful. “In this Crusade united Feudalism and Papacy won their greatest triumph.” (source, Google Books) One of the reasons why this Crusade was one of the strongest is because Europe was more so united in fighting and were not as caught up in fighting each other. (source)

This Crusade was very successful, a factor of this was because of the importance of this presented by the leaders of the European society. The leaders became more upset with the Muslims and their military expansions; they felt that the Muslims were very forceful in their actions. The intentions were correct, however not all the actions were good once inside the city of Jerusalem. The Crusade was pretty effective in stalling the Muslim expansions. (source, Google Books)(source, Google Books)(source)(source)(source)

The Investiture controversy was a time when the Holy Roman Catholic Church and the Roman Empire had differences in the way of territory and authority. The involvement between both sides were intermixed, the Laymen of the Western Roman Empire were involved in the Investiture Ceremony for the Bishops and Archbishops and vice-versa. These distentions of Investiture lead to many problems such as the Investiture controversy.(source) (source Google Books) (source)

An Investiture is a formal appointment of a person in to a special rank or role. This is often put into a ceremony, to mark this inauguration. This insignia was very important during the Middle Ages it was the one thing that inducted a person into a position. However this appointment of positions were challenged by the Roman Empire, the secular leaders and Religious ones were not clarified on the job positions and more often then not their job descriptions would cross over into each others. This involvement of each of the Imperial powers started with Charlemagne and the Pope crowning him Emperor, up until the 11th and 12th centuries this was not a problem. However when in came out the effects of it were great, it was the most significant conflict between the church and state in Medieval History. It had great impact on the Western Roman Empire. This alone led to over 50 years of civil war in Germany, not to mention other struggles in France. (source) (source) (source) (source Google Books)

The Popes acted in an offensive manner, challenging the European monarchy and as a result setting in place Bishops and Abbots to be in control. This challenging on the Popes side was the fight to establish political legitimacy. The popes of the Holy Roman thought that the European Monarchy was wrong because no man should have that authority that belongs to God. (source) (source Google Books) (source)

This fighting led to a compromise known as the Concordat of worms it stated that the secular leaders would have a place in the appointing ceremony. It also concluded that the monarchy power was broken and the localized lords would take charge. The Papacy gained much control for these efforts and then set the stage for the Crusades in the 12th century, which some say is why the efforts of this controversy ended. Some think it is because they needed to come together again and fight against the Muslims. Both are legitimate endings to these efforts. (source Google Books) (source)

The results of this time are huge; the impact on Germany alone took till the 19th century to recover. This fight was very effective on the Holy Roman Catholic Church side and established more power for the Pope. With out this power the Crusades may not have had the out come it did and the Crusades might have been a failure which would render many different consequences then we have today. This Controversy also had a great effect on the formation of the Protestant church. Throughout history there are so many interlinked effects and causes that all have an effect on each situation. (source Google Books) (source) (source)