The Children's Crusade

In the year 1212, something very unusual happened in Europe. Thousands of young people set off on a march to the Holy Land. They believed that their faith would help them succeed where armies had failed. This event is known as the Children's Crusade. Historians are not sure exactly what happened, but it is a sad and fascinating story from the Middle Ages.

How It Started

According to old stories, a young boy in France or Germany said that God had told him to lead a peaceful march to the Holy Land. Thousands of young people and poor adults joined him. They believed they could win through kindness, not fighting. Many walked hundreds of miles on foot without enough food or warm clothing. Some adults tried to stop them, but the young marchers kept going.

What Happened to Them

Sadly, the march did not end well. Most of the young travelers never reached the Holy Land. Some became sick or turned back. Others were tricked by dishonest people. Historians today are not even sure if all the marchers were children. Some may have been poor young adults. The story teaches us about the strong beliefs people had during the Middle Ages, and how dangerous the journey was.

Fun Facts

• Some historians think there were actually two separate marches, one in France and one in Germany.
• The marchers may have numbered as many as 30,000 people.
• The story of the Children's Crusade was told and retold for centuries, changing a little each time.

Did You Know?

Some historians believe the famous fairy tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin may have been inspired by the Children's Crusade.