Warfare in the Age of Crusades: The Latin East explores in fascinating
detail the key campaigns, battles and sieges that shaped the crusading
period of the Middle Ages, giving special attention to military
technologies, tactics and strategies. Key personalities and political
factors are addressed, including the role of papal monarchy in
initiating the crusading expeditions, the relationship between Catholic
Europe and the Byzantine Empire, the role of the religious military
orders, and Islamic and Mongol military capabilities.
Chapters are devoted to each of the major crusades to the Levant -
First, Second, Third and Fourth crusades - and an analysis of the
Islamic response. The rise of the Mamluks in Egypt, with their
innovative military organization, is covered, as are the failed Egyptian
and Tunisian campaigns. The concluding chapters describe the Mongol
campaigns in the Levant, the Mamluk response, and the final siege of
Acre in 1291.
This original and perceptive study of a key stage in medieval military
history features regional, strategic and multi-phase tactical maps that
illuminate the narrative and provide a valuable resource for students,
historians and wargamers alike.
