By the end of the Eleventh Century the western world still had contacts with the eastern byzantine and islamic worlds. The growing tension in the east soon appeared in an attack against the byzantine empire with their need of help soon following. The crusades then began with religious promises and other opportunities available to the crusaders. And even after all of those events the west still prospered in certain ways. The Crusades provided a way for religious leadership, internal and external prosecution of heretics, and helped the west combine both religion and war into their lives.
With the growing power of the Seljuk Turks in the eastern lands it was only time before they turned more west. Around 1071 the Seljuk Turks attacked the Byzantine Empire and advanced into Anatolia. Then under the command of Alexius I Comenus, The Byzantines were able to recapture what was theirs. Unable to continue their efforts The Byzantines looked to the west for financial help.
Alexius asked Pope Urban II for help but contrary to what Alexius wanted the pope used this opportunity to lead with the papal office. Pope Urban then in 1095 announced and challenged the christian religion to take up arms and to wage war on towards the holy land. Along with this statement he promised remission of sins thereby combining what the people of that time wanted, war and religious salvation.
With such promises by the pope it was easy for forces to rise and organize to move towards Jerusalem. Pope Urban II said, "All who die by the way, whether by land or by sea, or in battle against the pagans, shall have immediate remission of sins. This I grant them through the power of God with which I am invested." With the possibility to gain titles, riches, land,