The Crusades are a Christian holy war launched in the Medieval era and are akin to the Jihads of Islam, with the exception that they are sanctioned by the Pope himself. Historically there were at least nine crusades to the holy land, the first three being the most renowned. However, there were many 'minor' crusades launched during the medieval period. Eastern Europe was often crusaded against by the Teutonic Order, being relentless in eastern Europe's paganism many minor crusades were launched throughout Europe as well.