The Northern Crusade

The Northern Crusade (c. 1147-1290) was a series of military campaigns initiated by Christian states to convert and conquer pagan territories in the Baltic region, particularly targeting the Livonians, Prussians, and Lithuanians. Fueled by a mix of religious fervor and the desire for land, these campaigns were led by various northern European powers, including the Teutonic Knights and Denmark. The crusades resulted in the establishment of Christian states, significant cultural exchanges, and enduring conflicts. This movement is often seen as part of the broader Crusades but focused specifically on the conversion and control of non-Christian populations in the North.