Week 13: The Crusades The Rise of Islam and its Impact on the Church Crusades served as safety valve for much of European society Knights (King?s vassals) had been looking for ways to take out aggression Terrorized, raped, and pillaged the peasantry Europe was about to descend into a lawless, violent state Church gave these knights a purpose Reconquest of holy lands Threat to Christendom: Islam 570 C.E.: Muhammad was born an infant in Mecca Religion in Arabia at this time was highly polytheistic But belief in god named Allah Muhammad began trading on caravan routes in early 20s Learned stories of the Old Testament as he moved about the region Wandered around the hillside of Mecca in his 30s Saw visions of the angel Gabriel who gave him new revelations