Throughout Europe there had been holy wars that had been going on for centuries. The time period that was labeled 'the Crusades' referred to eight battles that were waged in the Holy Land between the years 1096 and 1270. A 'crusade' had to be sanctioned by the Pope and carried about against people who were seen as rivals to Christianity.

The motivation for crusading came from many sources. It is a belief that the common motivation was devoutness to upholding religious beliefs. To go on a crusade was essentially to go on a holy journey in search of personal rescue. This true definition was blurred a bit as it seem to come to mean giving up their lives to potentially face death by perhaps giving into pressures of their family or peers. Were they in 'search' of or forced into it?

History notes that people from all classes would engage in the crusades. Peasants, laborers and even kings and queens would participate. The women were guided to give financial donations and stay away however some did not heed this advice and went on the crusade. There would be noblemen crusading and with them came an entourage, with men that may not have been there out of desire, but forced into it. These crusades were a costly affair, and it's a belief that lords and their older sons were seen as the most likely to engage in this activity.

With one side proudly displaying the cross on their uniforms, on horseback with shields up for protection the playing pieces of the Crusades themed chess set are crafted exactly as the two opposing sides would have appeared during these conflicts. The crusaders would have been noblemen with the funds to have the best in armor and uniforms. It's a step back to the Dark Ages and a battle of beliefs. A battle with these unique and colorful chess set will allow you to engage in a crusade based in the belief of your chess playing skills.

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