The first Crusade began in 1096, launched by Christians from Europe with the goal of reclaiming Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim rule. Prompted by a call to arms from Pope Urban II, the Crusade drew thousands who sought to secure access to sacred sites and fulfill religious obligations. The campaign was marked by a series of battles and sieges, culminating in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. This Crusade set the stage for subsequent campaigns and had lasting impacts on Christian-Muslim relations, trade, and the political landscape of the Middle East.