The Crusades were a series of campaigns to control the Holy Lands and stop the Islamic tide. The campaigns were launched at the invitation of the Catholic Church under the symbol of the cross.
They were intended to expand the influence of the Franks globally, stop Islamic expansion towards Europe, and serve the interests of various parties under a religious cover. The historical reality of the Crusades demonstrated the existence of many motives hidden behind the declared religious motive, including political, economic, and social, in addition to the personal interests of individuals and groups.