Explain the role of religion in the Crusades by doing the following: 1. Discuss the origins of the Crusades.

After the fall of the Mediterranean and Asian empires in the first centuries of the Common Era, new civilizations emerged and vied to expand their influence throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. To that end, they engaged in trade, territorial expansion, and even armed conflict, all of which led to increased interaction and exchange.

In this essay you will explain the role of religion in the origins and development of the Crusades. You will also be required to differentiate the methods used by the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties to expand Islamic civilization. Finally, you will discuss the importance of the Silk Roads in central Asia.

Requirements:
A. Explain the role of religion in the Crusades by doing the following:
1. Discuss the origins of the Crusades.
2. Describe the methods used by the Roman Catholic Church to promote the Crusades.

B. Differentiate the methods used by the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties to expand Islamic civilization by doing the following:
1. Describe the different methods of expansion used by the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties.
2. Contrast the religious policies and political administration of the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties.

C. Discuss the significance of the Silk Roads in facilitating one (1) of the following:
? the sharing of new technology
? the growth of intercontinental trade
? the spread of epidemic diseases
Note: Your response should include information on how the chosen characteristic affected social, political, and/or cultural development in the selected civilizations.

D. Provide acknowledgement of source information, using in-text citations and references, for quoted, paraphrased, or summarized content.