The Silk Roads with Peter Frankopan: West marches east

The transcript discusses the First Crusade, initiated in 1096, where European knights marched to Jerusalem to defend Christian interests. It explores the establishment of Crusader states and the complex motivations behind the Crusades, including religious zeal, personal gain, and camaraderie. The narrative contrasts European glorification of the Crusades with the negative perception in the Islamic world, highlighting the need for a balanced understanding. Modern references to the Crusades in cultural and political contexts underscore their lasting impact.

In what ways did the Crusades impact the relationship between Christians and Muslims?

What does the term 'Crusader' signify in the context of the historical narrative?

How have the narratives of the Crusades been passed down through generations in both Western and Arabic-speaking worlds?