this post was submitted on 28 Jul 2026
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but why.. WHY...
WHY WAS IT THE WORST CRUSADE??
The assumption would be that children don't do well against swords and arrows. Though they're probably harder to hit
Sources are few in numbers, many of the existing ones are not considered reliable, there is a lot of mythologicalisation (is that a word? Mythification? Something like that, it's clouded in myths) around the "crusade", but what can be reconstructed from the few sources that are considered contemporary no participant actually made it to the Holy Land.
A cologne chronic reports many "crusaders" died from thirst and starvation before even reaching the alps, then the trek reached Genua where a promised parting of the sea (yes, it was promised to happen just like in the bible, apparently) did not occur. From there, many turned to Rome and the Pope to be freed from their oath, others tried to board ships to Palestine, however only a few were successful and those who were were sold into slavery.
Not much of a crusade, not a lot of sources (and none from participants), a lot of conflations with other events (like children's pilgrimages to Mont Saint Michel) and myths (like the Piper of Hamelin), etc.
But most certainly no sword and arrow action in the Holy Land.
Because it was led by literal children. 30,000 some adults, ect. Never fought a battle but the survivors were sold into slavery. There is no good ending to any Crusade. I have a longer answer under the "well we are waiting" gif.