Battles of the Crusades: From Dorylaeum to Varna

Pope Urban II called for the Crusades to stem the expansion of Islamic states into Europe, leading to 20 key battles over hundreds of years. Battles of the Crusades features examples from every era and campaign, including the destruction of the Crusader army at Hattin, the Christian recapture of Lisbon, and the massacre of the Albigensians at Beziers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2019
Publisher: Amber Books Ltd

When Pope Urban II issued a call to European Christianity to halt the expansion of Islamic states into Europe, a series of events unfolded that would span hundreds of years and have far-reaching political and economic consequences. This period marked a significant era of religiously motivated conflict in Europe and the Middle East, known as the Crusades. Battles of the Crusades delves into 20 key battles that occurred during this time, providing a comprehensive account of the conflicts.

The book begins with the battle of Dorylaeum (1097) and concludes with the battle of Varna (1444). Examples from various eras and campaigns are featured, showcasing the diverse range of battles that took place. Apart from the well-known encounters such as Antioch, Jerusalem, and Harran, the book also includes lesser-known battles between the Crusader states and their Muslim neighbors. These battles include the destruction of the Crusader army at Hattin by Montgisard and Saladin, as well as the Christian recapture of Lisbon and the massacre of the Albigensians at Beziers in France.

The Crusades extended beyond the Middle East, with battles taking place in Spain during the Reconquista and the expansion of the Teutonic Knights in Germany. Battles of the Crusades offers a comprehensive overview of 500 years of religious conflict, providing a detailed account of each battle. Each entry includes a contextual introduction that provides background information on the conflict, a concise description of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A specially commissioned color map illustrating the movement of forces brings the subject to life and helps the reader to understand the development of the battle.

The book is accompanied by over 200 color and black-and-white maps, artworks, and photographs, which enhance the reader's experience and provide a visual representation of the events. Designed for both the general reader and enthusiasts interested in the warfare and tactics of the Middle Ages, Battles of the Crusades is an essential companion for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of this historical period.

Weight: 892g
Dimension: 252 x 196 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782747048