The crusades were a complex and multi-faceted series of events. However, some factors that may have made the crusades seem easy to medieval Christians could include the fact that they were fighting for a cause that was seen as just and holy, they had the support of the papacy and other powerful Christian institutions, and they were often fighting against enemies who were seen as morally reprehensible (such as the Muslims or the Cathars). Additionally, the crusades often enjoyed initial success, which may have made them seem easy to those who participated in them.