The main target of the Crusaders during the Middle Ages was the Holy Land, specifically Jerusalem. The Crusades began in 1095 when Pope Urban II called for Christians in Europe to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. The belief was that Jerusalem held significant religious value, as it was the site of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Over several centuries, multiple Crusades were launched with the aim of recovering the Holy Land. These military campaigns had profound implications, including increased tensions between Christians and Muslims, the development of trade routes, and the cultural exchange between the East and West, shaping medieval history.