The Third Pius Dea Crusade represents a religious war waged by the Pius Dea cult targeting the Hutts during the period known as the Pius Dea Era. In 11,939 BBY, the Galactic Republic, then under the control of the Pius Dea, initiated a military campaign into Hutt Space.
The Republic Military, acting under Pius Dea command, commenced assaults on the southern territories of Hutt Space. One fleet departed from the border of Republic territory, advancing from Ord Gustald towards Sneeve and subsequently Chalacta. Simultaneously, two other fleets were deployed from Ord Thabl, targeting Cyborrea and the northern parts of Hutt Space. A fourth fleet made a jump from the Ootmian Pabol trade route to Nimban, located at the periphery of Hutt Space. This Third Crusade was the precursor to a fourth crusade against the Hutts nineteen years later in 11,920 BBY, continuing the pattern of religious-based persecution of alien species.
The reference book The Essential Guide to Warfare, published in 2012, provided the first reference to the Third Pius Dea Crusade. Although not directly discussed within the text, the Third Crusade is depicted on a map illustrating the Crusades' progression throughout the galaxy.