Crusader Castles in the Holy Land An Illustrated History of the Crusader Fortifications of the Middle East and Mediterranean

by NICOLLE, DAVID

• ISBN13: 9781846033490
• ISBN10: 1846033497
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-11-18
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing

Summary

The bloody crusades that swept across the Middle East in medieval times left their mark on the landscape, where fortifications which once acted as bastions of power for the beleaguered Crusader States now cast their ruined shadows over the earth. These fortifications varied considerably in size, architecture and function from the mighty Crac de Chevaliers, the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller in Syria to smaller fortified dwellings and religious centers. With almost constant warfare between Crusaders and Saracens they were vitally important both as centers of defense and bases for the launch of offensive operations.Citadels of Christendomis a beautifully illustrated guide to the development, construction, purpose and history of these castles. Examining the castles built in the Holy Land between 1097 and 1302 as well as the castles built in Cyprus, Greece and the Aegean between 1191 and 1571, this book provides a rare overview of the history and notably the evolution of fortresses and defenses during the Crusades. Contemporary photographs and the latest research resurrect these imposing reminders of over two centuries of conflict.

Author Biography

Born in 1944, David Nicolle worked in the BBC's Arabic service for a number of years before gaining an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, and a doctorate from Edinburgh University. He has written numerous books and articles on medieval and Islamic warfare, and has been a prolific author of Osprey titles for many years. The author lives in Leceistershire, UK..

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 6
Chronology	p. 17
Crusader Castles in the Holy Land, 1097-1302	p. 24
The Development of Crusader Fortifications	p. 26
The Principles of Defence	p. 57
Tour of the Castles	p. 73
Feudal, Religious & Urban Defences	p. 88
Life in the Holy Land Castles	p. 115
The Castles at War	p. 120
The Fate of the Fortification	p. 144
Crusader Castles in Cyprus, Greece & the Aegean, 1191-1573	p. 148
Design & Development	p. 150
The Principles of Defence	p. 163
Tour of the Castles	p. 169
The Living Sites	p. 177
The Castles at War	p. 189
Aftermath	p. 204
Visiting the Fortifications Today	p. 209
Glossary	p. 222
Further Reading	p. 225
Index	p. 231
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