The goal of the Crusades in the Middle Ages was to reclaim the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, from Muslim control and to assist Byzantine Christians facing Muslim expansion. Initiated in the late 11th century, the First Crusade was called by Pope Urban II and aimed at re-establishing Christian dominance in the region following centuries of Muslim rule. The Crusaders sought to protect pilgrims, secure Christian sites, and fulfill religious obligations as part of their faith. While the original intentions were religious, the Crusades also led to significant political, economic, and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East, shaping the course of history.