Background information: This account of Urban II’s speech was included in a chronicle of the First Crusade called Gesta Francorum (“Deeds of the Franks”). Historians believe it was written by a member of the crusading party, sometime about 1100. He was likely not at Clermont when Urban’s speech was delivered.This source, Deeds of the Franks, would be most valuable for a historian who wants to know more about which of these topics?
Answer
A
the actual words spoken by Urban in his speech at Clermont.
B
the effects of the crusades on the economy of Europe.
C
what life was like for people waiting at home for a crusader to return.
D
what life was like for a crusader making the journey to Jerusalem.
Explanation
The chronicle was written by someone who likely joined the crusading party, so it could provide firsthand details about the journey and experiences of crusaders. Because the writer probably was not present at Clermont, the account is less useful for establishing Urban II’s exact words. It also does not focus on Europe’s economy or the experiences of people waiting at home. The best choice is what life was like for a crusader traveling to Jerusalem.
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