Assess the significance of the role of the Papacy in bringing about change to the nature and purpose of crusading in the years 1095-1204.

During this period the papacy saw itself as the ultimate power in Christendom to which all men from peasants to emperors were subject. During the period of 1095-1204, popes such as Innocent III began to attempt to turn crusading theory into reality, drastically changing the nature of crusading. Crusades became a weapon with which the Papacy could defend itself militarily and politically. The difference between defence of Christendom and defence of the papal hierarchy became increasingly indistinct as the enemy became, not Muslim, but Christian. Both Greek orthodox and Latin Christians were targeted in examples ranging from Innocent III’s Crusades against Heretics such as the Cathars to Pope Martin IV’s crusade against Aragon. Aside from their motives the papacy instigated changes in the preaching, logistics and institutionalisation of crusading. By the time of Innocent III in the early 13th century it was highly professional, funded by taxes levelled on all the laity throughout Europe. One no longer had to actually go on the expedition and kill Saracens; he could pledge money, troops or ships and still his sins would be absolved. However for all the work the papacy did in changing the theory behind the crusade and the way in which it was called, it had little or no control over the crusading expeditions once they left Europe. It was relatively insignificant in changing or even dictating the aims of the crusaders once they actually reached the East. During the first crusade many of the most powerful nobles abandoned Urban’s crusade for wealth and land in the East, Baldwin headed straight to Edessa not Jerusalem and eventually settled down as king of the Christian community there.