What did the Crusaders wear during the Crusades?

The Clothing of the Crusaders

What did the Crusaders wear during the Crusades? The Crusaders were generally set apart as they wore white cloth with a red cross painted onto the cloth, which usually covered their armor. However, if you are talking about crosses they wore as necklaces, they were generally polished wooden crosses.

Final Answer: The Crusaders wore tunics with red crosses, symbolizing their Christian mission during the Crusades to retake the Holy Lands. The red cross is particularly associated with the Knights Templar.

Explanation: The Crusaders, who were Christian knights predominantly from France, wore tunics emblazoned with crosses as a symbol of their holy mission. However, the type of crosses worn could vary. In historical depictions and accounts, Crusaders are often shown wearing red crosses on their garments. The red cross became an emblem of the crusaders, especially recognized on the white tunics of the Knights Templar, a military order formed during the Crusades.

Scholars note that the crusading movements focused on taking the Holy Lands from Muslims and were driven by religious zeal, adventure, and the promise of land, titles, and forgiveness of sins. The Crusaders took Jerusalem in 1099 and established the Crusader States, also known as Outremer. While they are known for their militaristic endeavors, the cultural and religious impact of the Crusades also influenced art and society in the region, including the creation of artifacts like the Canteen, which featured imagery of both Christian and Muslim warriors.

What material were the crosses worn by the Crusaders generally made of?

The crosses worn by the Crusaders were generally made of polished wood.