Pope Urban II - in simple terms - said that all who fought in the crusade would be forgiven for all sins and go to heaven. Was really all it took for quarreling Europe, both peasants and nobles, to largely set aside their differences and travel to foreign lands and risk their lives in combat? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Pope Urban II - in simple terms - said that all who fought in the crusade would be forgiven for all sins and go to heaven. Was really all it took for quarreling Europe, both peasants and nobles, to largely set aside their differences and travel to foreign lands and risk their lives in combat?

by lgmdnss

Were there any other motivations, like looting and gaining lordship over new lands? And even then, was it even that good, or was the potential loot and lands exaggerated before they set off? I know people were more religious in the past, but to leave your entire lives behind en-masse? C'mon.

Snipahar

Hi lgmdnss,

While you wait for answer, you may be interested in these previously answered question:

Regarding forgiveness of sins:

I gather that Papal Indulgences were first issued during the Crusades to essentially "give last rites in advance" to Christians likely to die far from a priest. Is this right, and how did this turn into the "buy your way out of purgatory" scheme that Martin Luther criticised? Answered by /u/Valkine.

You'll also want to read the replies to that answer, from /u/sunagainstgold and /u/Philip_Schwartzerdt, for additional detail.

Regarding motivations for crusading:

In the First Crusade, you are a young noble looking for personal wealth, where do you go to join the crusade and how likely is it that you make it to Jerusalem and find personal wealth? Answered by /u/Valkine.

You may also be interested in the FAQ section for the Cause and Motivation for the Crusades.