In Hungary, the 'people's' crusaders also killed and looted

The Crusades were driven by both religious and political motives, particularly concerning the significance of Jerusalem and Palestine. The region fell under Arab Caliphate control in the 7th century, impacting Christian pilgrimages. Despite initial tolerance, the situation worsened due to internal conflicts and the actions of Caliph al-Hakim, who restricted religious practices and destroyed the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Seljuk Turks captured Jerusalem in 1073, further complicating matters. Pope Urban II called for a Crusade in 1095, appealing to both religious fervor and the ambitions of landless nobles. Various popular crusading armies formed, notably led by figures like Peter the Hermit, resulting in significant violence against local Jewish populations. The first crusading army faced severe losses against the Turks, leading to a chaotic retreat, while some managed to regroup and later participated in the conquest of key cities in the Holy Land.