Religious warfare refers to conflicts primarily driven by religious motivations or ideologies. Throughout history, various groups have engaged in battles to defend or spread their beliefs, often leading to significant social and political consequences. Examples include the Crusades, where Christian forces sought to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control, and the Thirty Years' War, which involved Catholic and Protestant states in Europe. These conflicts can arise from deep-seated religious differences, competition for resources, or the desire for power. While not all wars are religious in nature, the intertwining of faith and conflict has shaped many societies and influenced global relations over time.