In 1096 five great armies left Europe to answer the call from Pope Urban
II to ride to the rescue of their fellow Christians in the East, and
free the Holy City of Jerusalem from the 'infidels'. After gruelling
marches, bitter infighting, desperate privation and brutal battles this
first 'crusade' culminated in the triumphant capture of Jerusalem and
the establishment of a Christian kingdom in Palestine and Syria that
survived until 1291. The second crusade, begun in 1147 and the third,
begun in 1189, were less successful but still full of the same fervour,
high hopes and soaring ambition as the first.This book covers all three
crusades in detail, following the journeys, events, battles and leaders
of all three. The crusades were led by princes and kings who became
involved for the good of their souls or earthly reputations, but they
were dependent on the knights and entourages who fought for precedence
and wealth almost as fiercely as they fought the enemy, and all were
bolstered by the visionaries and priests who inspired devotion and
sacrifice. These different players and their stories are all explored,
as well as special sections on the fortresses they erected and the
kingdoms they established.Historians argue over the character and legacy
of the crusades, but what is certain is that they hold an enduring
fascination for modern readers. The crusaders' enterprise retains a
heroic element, a seemingly impossible objective entered into with
enormous faith, self-belief and courage. However, if the crusades did
have a noble and even heroic side, they also cast a deeply troubling
shadow across the ages, and studying the causes and events of these
medieval wars of faith remains highly relevant. This book discusses all
aspects of these turbulent times, and evokes the colourful spirit of the
period in over 300 illustrations.A highly visual account of the early
years of the crusades, with a detailed examination of the first, second
and third crusades, and the taking of JerusalemBrings to life a
turbulent period of history, and explores the religious fervour,
motivation and ambitions of the crusading knights and their followers
Offers not only a thrilling account of the epic journeys, ferocious
battles and punishing sieges of the crusades, but also a fascinating
insight into the political and religious complexities of the
periodFeatures the larger-than-life knights of the first crusades
including Bohemond of Taranto, Robert of Jerusalem, Godfrey of Bouillon,
Tancred Prince of Galilee and Richard the Lionheart, and discusses the
controversies that still surround themRichly illustrated with images of
the armies, leaders, battles, victories and defeats of these warriors,
together with the lands they travelled across and the forces they
confronted
