The First Crusade:______.a. further strengthened Byzantine commerce and trade in the east. b. disrupted the trade routes between Byzantium and western Europe. c. disrupted Byzantine trade along the Silk Road to China. d. further weakened Byzantine commerce and trade in the east. e. had little impact on Byzantine trade because the Crusaders were primarily motivated by religion.

The First Crusade which took place between (1096–1099) was the first of a number of crusades that attempted to recapture the Holy Land, called for by Pope Urban II at the Council of Clermont in 1095. The crusaders marched into Anatolia, capturing Nicaea in June 1097 and Antioch in June 1098.

One positive effect of the Crusades was they they increased trade between the east and west. The crusades created a lasting conflict between Christian and Muslim worlds. One of the key events of the crusades was Pope Urban's speech at the council at Clermont. Helped to undermine feudalism.

Pope Urban II, born Odo of Chatillon or Otho de Lagery, was Pope from 12 March 1088 to his death in 1099. Urban II was a native of France. He was a descendant of a noble family in Chatillon-sur-Marne.