The Crusade of 1212

The Crusade of 1212, often called the Children's Crusade, was a large-scale but unofficial movement in Europe where thousands of children and young people set out to march to the Holy Land, hoping to peacefully reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. Motivated by religious fervor and inspired by accounts of earlier crusades, the participants believed their innocence would win divine favor. Tragically, many faced hardship, and many were captured or sold into slavery. The movement is largely considered a failure, but it highlights the deep religious zeal and the complexities of medieval society.