Prelude to the Crusades: Reconquest Efforts

The Middle Ages were marked by a contradiction between the stability of settling down and a dynamic spirit that inspired greatness. On today's episode, we'll uncover answers to the following questions:

1. How did the Creation Mandate inspire Christians to start thinking beyond their horizons?
2. Why does Medieval art depict figures who are clearly disproportionate? What was Gothic architecture trying to accomplish?
3. What precipitated the Crusades? How were they a product of the restless Christian spirit?

Recommended Reading: Urban II, Speech at the Council of Clermont