The First Crusade was initiated in 1095 by Pope Urban II. The purpose was to assist the Byzantine empire in reclaiming the Holy Land from the Muslims even though the Byzantine Empire had been estranged from Rome for many years. The First Crusade was mostly successful but instead of the Holy Land being returned to the Byzantine Empire four separate crusader states where created. Following crusades were sent for a variety of reasons. Some were created to assist the Byzantine Empire and the newly created states in the Holy land. Some were sent to overthrow the Byzantine Empire. Later Crusades were sent to Spain to help fight the Muslims in that country. Some Crusades were sent to fight pagans in eastern Europe and then some Crusades were sent to fight Christian countries in Europe that the Pope didn’t like.

(The Great Courses – How the Crusades Changed History)

99% of all species that have ever existed on the earth are now extinct.

(The Great Courses – A New History of Life)

Around time time of the late 1700’s it was expected that governments would have to pay the French Foreign Minister a ‘bribe’ to open negotiations with France. French Foreign Minister Talleyrand is estimated to have personally received about 30 million francs between 1797 and 1804 for his services,

(Book – John Marshall – Jean Edward Smith)