A "Crusader" refers to a participant in the series of religious wars known as the Crusades, which took place from the late 11th to the late 13th centuries. These military campaigns were primarily initiated by European Christians to reclaim the Holy Land, particularly Jerusalem, from Muslim control. The Crusaders were often motivated by a mix of religious fervor, the desire for adventure, and the promise of land or wealth. Crusaders typically wore distinctive armor and carried symbols of their faith, such as the cross. The movement involved various groups, including knights, soldiers, and common people, and had significant impacts on Christianity, Islam, and the political landscape of Europe and the Middle East.