The following map shows the crusades from 1095 a. d (ce) through 1204 a. d (ce). use the map to answer the following question: map of the first through fourth crusades, 1095 ce - 1204 ce. the map shows europe and north africa bordering the mediterranean sea. islamic areas are shaded brown; christian areas are shaded green. lines of different colors mark the routes of the four crusades. the first and second crusades follow land routes from northern and central france through italy, and also from germany through southeastern europe along the danube river. the third crusade follows a sea path from england around spain to southern france, and from central france to southern france, and then to the holy land. © 2012 the exploration company the route from regensburg in modern germany to constantinople was followed during several crusades. what geographical factor accounts for the popularity of this particular route? the route followed a large and major river. the route went through several populated areas. the route avoided the rocky mediterranean coast. the route followed flat land useful for soldiers.