The First Crusade ::
Urban’s speech inspired the First Crusade (1096-99). Many people were so deeply stirred that they would
not wait until the time set by the council for the Crusade to begin. At least four separate bands started for the
Holy Land early in 1096. One of them, a group of knights and peasants known as the People’s Crusade,
managed to reach Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The Crusaders caused the emperor
some difficulties but were killed in an ambush by the Turks east of the city.
In August 1096, the first real armies began their march to Jerusalem. The Crusaders went first to
Constantinople, where their leaders met the Byzantine emperor and unwillingly swore an oath to restore
land to him. They then made a dangerous march across Asia Minor to Antioch. For seven months they
besieged the city, suffering almost as much as the people inside the city walls. After the Crusaders at last
captured Antioch, they themselves were attacked by a Turkish army. In some three weeks, disease and
famine killed many.
The Crusaders left Antioch for Jerusalem in January 1099. A much reduced Crusading army reached the
Holy City on June 7, 1099, laying siege to its walls and finally capturing it on July 15. The Crusaders then
engaged in a shameful massacre of all the city's men, women and children. After the slaughter, the
Crusaders went to kneel at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion.
Many Crusaders returned home, but others stayed and were joined by new companies of Crusaders. They
built castles and established Crusader states to protect the Holy Land.
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Read the section "The First Crusade."
Which sentence in the section presents a grievous and disgraceful tone?
(A) The Crusaders went first to Constantinople, where their leaders met the Byzantine emperor and unwillingly swore an oath to restore land to him.
(B) For seven months they besieged the city, suffering almost as much as the people inside the city walls. (C) The Crusaders then engaged in a shameful massacre of all the city's men, women and children.
(D) After the slaughter, the Crusaders went to kneel at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion.