Reasons for joining the crusades

• Benefit of full indulgence - it was believed that if any Christian died fighting for their religion, they would be sent to heaven even with sins
• To achieve Christian control of the Holy Land - Jerusalem was an important hotspot for Christian pilgrims but under Saladin they were not allowed there
• To gain land in the crusader states after defeating them and seizing land
• To fulfil feudal duty in their lord’s army
• To gain wealth from seizing possessions of any town defeated
• Cancellation of all debts needed to pay
• Avoid paying the Saladin tithe