What were the main causes of the Crusades?

The main causes of the Crusades were rooted in religious, economic, and political factors. The primary catalyst was the desire to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim rule and to protect Christian pilgrims and Byzantine Empire from Muslim invasions. Additionally, the need for increased trade and access to Eastern goods also played a significant role. Moreover, the power struggle between the Western and Eastern Christian churches, as well as the opportunity for military glory and new territories, fueled the Crusades. These intersecting motivations led to the series of military expeditions known as the Crusades.