The primary goal of the Crusades was to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy sites in the Middle East that were considered sacred by Christians. The Crusades were a series of religious wars initiated by the Latin Church in the medieval period, especially during the 11th to 13th centuries.

In addition to the religious motivations, there were also political and economic factors at play. Many European nobles sought to gain land and wealth, while the Church aimed to consolidate its power and influence over the Christian population. Furthermore, the Crusades served to unite European Christians against a common enemy, the Muslim states that controlled Jerusalem and surrounding areas.

Throughout the Crusades, the goals evolved, leading to various missions beyond just reclaiming territory, including the establishment of Crusader states and the promotion of trade routes. Ultimately, the Crusades had far-reaching effects on both the Christian and Muslim worlds, fostering a complex legacy of conflict, cultural exchange, and interaction between diverse civilizations.