The Crusades were a series of religious wars that took place mainly between the 11th and 13th centuries. They involved Christians from Europe trying to take control of important places in the Holy Land, especially Jerusalem, which is sacred to Christians.
The main reasons for the Crusades included the desire to spread Christianity and to reclaim land that was controlled by Muslims. Many people joined these wars for religious reasons, while others did it for adventure, land, or wealth.
There were several major Crusades, with the first one starting in 1096. Many knights and soldiers traveled long distances to fight. Some Crusades were successful, while others ended badly for the Christians.
In the end, the Crusades had a lasting impact on Europe and the Middle East, influencing trade, culture, and relationships between different religious groups.