The Middle Ages were characterised by a number of conflicts between Muslims and Christians over land in the Middle East. The most significant confrontation occurred during the Crusades, a series of religious wars that took place between 1095 and 1291. During the Crusades, European Christians sought to retake control of the Holy Land from Muslim control, and there were several conflicts between the two religions in the area. While territorial concerns played a significant role, the Crusades were motivated by both religious and political considerations, and religious disputes over sacred sites were prominent catalysts for the conflicts.