However, with the onset of the Islam during the 7th century and its 'spread by the sword' apostolate, Medieval Europe had its fair share of problems. All of their problems, more or less, accumulated during the period surrounding the First Crusade. With the Muslim armies closing in upon the seat of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, the kingdoms in the west had to act fast since the Byzantine city was the gateway from the Middle East to the Western World. Blessed Pope Urban II, in a desperate call for help, gave his famous speech at Clermont in 1095 calling all Christian men to, "Guard on all sides the flock committed to you," against the Muslim invaders. His call was heeded and in 1096 an immense army of 30,000-40,000 men, some accompanied by their wives, was formed and the First Crusade was underway. Once in Constantinople, the crusaders marched on Nicea, only to be betrayed by the Byzantine Emperor, hence breaking the pact with the Byzantines. After Nicea, the crusaders marched on the valley of Doryleaum and then on Armenia and Antioch, all of which were originally Christian regions, but were overthrown by the Muslims. In 1099, the crusaders finally made it to Jerusalem. After a few attacks, the crusaders finally besieged the city and on Friday, July 15, 1099, conquered…
