1099 – Christian Crusader
The year is 1099. The rest of the crusaders and I are traveling to Jerusalem. It’s been a long, brutal journey. We have no clean drinking water. We’ve often had to resort to drinking our own urine to survive. The very little food we have has been brought to us by the townsfolk we passed on our journey, and they’ve been sold to us at abominable prices. I pray to the Holy Father, that we reach our destination soon.
We have finally reached Jerusalem, the Holy Land, the place where Christ himself was crucified by the Romans and ascended to heaven. The red cross on our armor reminds us why we’re fighting everyday. We have had the strength and determination to travel this far to take back what is rightfully ours.
After a two month siege, we have finally conquered Jerusalem! We have won back our land! Some of us have returned home, but I think I’ll stay. It seems unnecessary to travel such a long distance just to return not soon afterward. This area is so beautiful and rich with culture, I’m certainly glad to be here. O Holy Father, I am truly grateful for your blessings!
1099 – Muslim
The year is 1099. I currently live in Jerusalem, the Holy Land.
There has been talk of Europeans invading our land out west. No one here really understands why….we’ve lived this way for centuries, and we’re not sure why the Europeans would want to wage war with us on such a Holy Land.
The invaders have attacked a land just to the west of us, Syria. It seems as though this attack is the work of the Byzantines, or the Romans. This is much unexpected. We have offended them in some way, but we are unsure as to how.
The invaders have attacked Jerusalem! The land of Mohammed’s ascension to the great heavens above has been overthrown by the Christian barbarians. They call themselves the ‘Crusaders’ and wear a cross on their armors to represent their god. It is truly despicable to see such a sacred place destroyed by such blasphemy! Our cities have been sacked and our lands invaded. Only the great Mohammed can save us now.
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