The Wends under attack. The first Northern Crusade Part 2. Christian forces attack the pagan Wends

The First Northern Crusade - called the Wendish Crusade - in 1147 was triggered by the preparations for the Second Crusade to the Middle East after the fall of the Christian Crusader state of Edessa. German Saxon aristocrats asked the Church authorities for permission to attack the pagan Wends across the River Elbe instead as they had no wish to travel the long distance to the 'Holy Land'. The Pope gave full permission for the attack on the pagan Wends with St. Bernard of Clairvaux insisting the pagans be either converted or destroyed. Henry the Lion and Albert the Bear were two of the main leaders of the Wendish Crusade and were opposed by the pagan Prince Nyklot, leader of the Wendish people who despite the odds managed to turn back the Crusaders. Ultimately however the Christian powers proved too strong and the Wends were forced to convert and were assimilated into German Christian culture during the decades after the Crusade. ✅ Subscribe to Flavius Claudius Julianus @FlaviusClaudiusJulianus361 🙏 Like to support the channel? Join the channel Patreon community Or buy us a coffee One time donation Paypal Other videos on the Northern Crusades (Part 1) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:25 Eve of the Crusade -the fall of Edessa 07:06 The call for a new crusade 16:06 Kill the Jews! 25:58 St. Bernard exhorts the Germans to join the Crusade 32:11 The German Saxons ask for a crusade against the pagan Wends 45:56 The leaders of the Wendish Crusade 52:04 The plan of attack 55:06 Prince Nyklot and the pagan army launch a pre-emptive attack 58:19 The Crusader advance 01:07:47 Aftermath 01:18:00 Summing up