The Northern Crusades, which occurred from the late 12th to the early 14th century, were a series of military campaigns aimed at converting the pagan peoples of the Baltic region to Christianity. While exact numbers are difficult to determine, estimates suggest that tens of thousands of people may have died during these conflicts.
Both the crusaders and the pagan populations suffered significant casualties. The main campaigns, including the Livonian Crusade, the Prussian Crusade, and the Lithuanian Crusade, resulted in numerous battles and skirmishes that led to loss of life on both sides.
Victims included not only warriors but also civilians caught in the crossfire of warfare. The impact of the crusades extended beyond immediate deaths, as they also caused widespread social and cultural disruption in the region. Overall, the Northern Crusades had lasting effects on the demographic and religious landscape of Eastern Europe.