The Holy Land in the Era of the Crusades: Kingdoms at the Crossroads of Civilizations, 1100-1300

The Near East in the era of the Crusades was home to diverse populations of Orthodox and Latin Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Jews, and Samaritans. The Crusader states represented a positive example of harmonious coexistence across two centuries, and this book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these unique states. It covers the history, demography, state institutions, foreign policy, economy, art, architecture, and lifestyle of the people who lived in the crusader states from 1100 to 1300, and is organized in two main parts and an additional chapter on the House of Ibelin. It would make an ideal textbook for undergraduates and hobby historians.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Near East in the era of the Crusades was a melting pot of diverse populations, including Orthodox and Latin Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims, Jews, and Samaritans. This region served as a crossroads for Arab, Turkish, Byzantine, and Frankish cultures, with the latter being a blend of Western traditions adapted to the circumstances in the crusader states by the Europeans who had settled in the Holy Land. While the Crusades have often been associated with brutality and bigotry, the crusader states themselves represented a remarkable example of harmonious coexistence spanning two centuries.

Despite the extensive scholarly research conducted in various disciplines such as archaeology, art history, and medicine, there is a lack of a comprehensive introductory source that provides a comprehensive overview of these unique states as a starting point for the uninitiated. This is where _The Holy Land in the Era of the Crusades_ comes in, aiming to bridge this gap and rectify common misconceptions.

The book is organized into two main parts: a chronological historical overview and a topical discussion of key features of these unique kingdoms. The chronological section provides a timeline of events, key figures, and significant developments that shaped the crusader states. It covers the period from 1100 to 1300, providing a comprehensive account of the history, demography, state institutions, foreign policy, economy, art, architecture, and lifestyle of the people who lived in these states.

The topical discussion section delves into various aspects of the crusader states, including their political structures, economic systems, religious practices, and cultural influences. It explores the interactions between different populations, such as the Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and the impact of the Crusades on the region's social, economic, and political landscape.

In addition to the historical and analytical content, _The Holy Land in the Era of the Crusades_ includes an additional chapter that describes the rise and fall of the House of Ibelin, providing a human face to the entire history. This chapter sheds light on the personal struggles, rivalries, and political intrigues that played a role in the decline and fall of one of the most powerful families in the crusader states.

_The Holy Land in the Era of the Crusades_ is an ideal textbook for undergraduates who are interested in learning about the Crusades and the Near East. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the topic, providing a solid foundation for further research. At the same time, hobby historians will find this book valuable as an introduction to the crusader states, with tips and suggestions for further exploration.

In conclusion, _The Holy Land in the Era of the Crusades_ is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the literature on the Crusades and the Near East. By bringing together recent scholarly research and presenting a comprehensive overview of these unique states, the book offers a fresh perspective on a period that has often been misunderstood and misrepresented. It is a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating and complex period of history.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 166 x 241 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526787590