Why Did the Second Crusade Start?
The Second Crusade was launched after the fall of Edessa in 1144, one of the most important Christian cities in the East. The city was captured by the Turks, and its population was either killed or sold into slavery. This event alarmed Europe and led to another crusade to protect the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and the other Christian states in the Holy Land.
The Formation of Religious Orders of Knights
During the time between the Second and Third Crusades, two famous religious military groups were formed: the Hospitallers and the Templars. Later, during the Third Crusade, another group called the Teutonic Knights was created. These orders were made up of knights who cared for the sick and wounded Crusaders, protected Christian pilgrims, and guarded the holy places. Over time, they became very powerful, gained great wealth, and owned many estates and castles in Europe and Asia.
The Fall and Massacre of Edessa
In 1146, the city of Edessa, a key part of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, fell to the Turks. The entire population of the city was either massacred or enslaved. This disaster shocked the Christian world, and many feared that all the holy places in the Middle East would fall back into the hands of the Muslims.
The Preaching of St. Bernard
The main person who encouraged the Second Crusade was St. Bernard, a famous monk. His speeches, filled with passion and religious conviction, stirred up excitement across Europe, much like Peter the Hermit had done for the First Crusade. Crowds of people gathered to hear St. Bernard speak, and his words inspired many to join the fight to protect the Holy Land.
Leadership of the Second Crusade: King Louis VII and Conrad III
This time, the Second Crusade was led by two monarchs: King Louis VII of France and Conrad III, the Emperor of Germany. St. Bernard’s powerful preaching convinced both kings to take up the cross and lead their armies to the Holy Land. Louis VII was motivated by guilt over past actions, while Conrad III left his empire in the hands of God to fight for the Sepulchre of Christ.
The Failure of the Second Crusade
Despite high hopes and powerful leaders, the Second Crusade ended in disaster. Many Crusaders were killed during battles in Asia Minor, and only a small part of the original army survived. Louis VII and Conrad III tried to lay siege to Damascus, but after just a few days, they were forced to retreat. As a chronicler of the time said, “having accomplished nothing, they returned home in disgrace.” The French and German armies were largely destroyed, and the Second Crusade failed to achieve its goals.