The primary goal of the Crusades, initiated in the 11th century, was to reclaim the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, from Muslim control. Sparked by a call from Pope Urban II in 1095, the Crusades aimed to restore Christian access to sacred sites that were considered vital to the faith. Knights and commoners alike took part in these military campaigns, driven by a mix of religious fervor, the promise of spiritual rewards, and socio-political motivations. While the Crusades had significant religious and cultural impacts, they also led to prolonged conflict and complex relations between Christians and Muslims.