Question

You are a crusader on one of the first 3 Crusades. Write a 2-paragraph letter home describing your adventures. Be very specific.

Describe:
Which Crusade you are on
what you do (are you a knight, a serf, a priest, a blacksmith, etc.?)
why you are going (reasons)
where you have been or are going
how you are traveling, what you saw
any battles you were in
any famous leaders you have

Your details must be consistent with the crusade you have chosen to be a part of.

Answer 1

In a letter home, a knight participating in the Second Crusade describes their role, their journey, and their experiences so far.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am currently participating in the Second Crusade, which began in 1147 and is led by King Louis VII of France and King Conrad III of Germany. As a knight, my role in the crusade is to fight in support of Outremer, the Christian states in the Middle East, and protect Christian pilgrims.

We are traveling to the Holy Land and have passed through Anatolia, where we faced defeat in separate battles against the Turkish forces. Our journey has been challenging, but we press on, hoping to reach our destination successfully. Along the way, I have witnessed the construction of fortresses and castles, such as the famous Krak des Chevaliers in Syria, which serves as a stronghold for a small number of soldiers.

Although I have not personally been involved in any major battles thus far, I have heard stories of the First Crusade and how the crusaders successfully captured Jerusalem in 1099. The slaughter of Muslim and Jewish inhabitants was a shocking event that brought victory to the crusaders. Unfortunately, the success of the First Crusade has not been replicated in subsequent crusades. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful and committed to our cause.

Wishing you good health and eagerly looking forward to sharing more stories of my adventures upon my return.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]