August 15, 1096: The First Crusade sets out from Europe to "rescue" Jerusalem from the Muslim Turks (see issue 40: The Crusades).

August 15, 1195: Anthony of Padua is born in Lisbon, Portugal. The most popular and effective preacher of his day (he had studied under Francis of Assisi), attracting crowds of up to 30,000, Anthony earned the title "hammer of the heretics" for converting so many of the dualistic Cathari. "He is truly the Ark of the Covenant and the treasury of ...