The First Crusade was launched in 1095 when Pope Urban II called for a military expedition to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control. Tens of thousands of European pilgrims and soldiers embarked on a perilous journey, facing numerous hardships such as disease and starvation. This crusade not only marked a significant religious and military undertaking but also had lasting effects on Christian-Muslim relations and the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

The launch of the First Crusade inspired epic poetry and chansons de geste, celebrating the themes of holy quests and cultural clash. This literary tradition influenced later works, including Dante's 'Divine Comedy,' which reflected on the moral complexities of such endeavors.