When Pope Urban II called European Christianity to stem the expansion of Islamic states into Europe, he set off a train of events that would last many hundreds of years and have far reaching political and economic consequences. Battles of the Crusades introduces 20 key battles from this period of religiously inspired conflict in Europe and the Middle East. Beginning with the battle of Dorylaeum (1097) and finishing with the battle of Varna (1444), examples from every era and campaign are featured.
Apart from such well-known encounters as Antioch, Jerusalem and Harran, battles between the Crusader states and their Muslim neighbours include Montgisard and Saladin's destruction of the Crusader army at Hattin. Beyond the Middle East, featured battles include the Christian recapture of Lisbon and the massacre of the Albigensians at Beziers in France. Battles from the Reconquista of Spain and the expansion of the Teutonic Knights make this a rounded account of 500 years of religious conflict.
Each entry includes a contextual introduction, a concise description of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A specially commissioned colour map illustrating movement of forces brings the subject to life and helps the reader to grasp the development of the battle. With more than 200 colour and black-and-white maps, artworks, and photographs, Battles of the Crusades provides an accessible introduction to key engagements of the Medieval era. Designed for both the general reader and enthusiast, the book is an essential companion for anyone interested in the warfare and tactics of the Middle Ages.
Kelly DeVries is Professor of History at Loyola College in Maryland. He is the author of several books, including Medieval Military Technology, Infantry Warfare in the Early Fourteenth Century, Joan of Arc: A Military Leader, and Guns and Men in Medieval Europe.
Iain Dickie has been a committee member of the Society of Ancients, the editor of Army & Navy Modelworld, Military Hobbies, and Miniature Wargames magazine.
Martin J. Dougherty is a freelance writer specializing in military and defence topics. He is the author of Medieval Warrior, SAS and Elite Forces Guide Extreme Unarmed Combat, and SAS and Elite Forces Guide Sniper, Small Arms: From the Civil War to the Present Day, and books on personal self-defence. He lives in northern England.
Phyllis G. Jestice is a professor of medieval history and chair of the Department of History at the College of Charleston, South Carolina, where she regularly teaches about vikings, crusaders, and the 100 Years War. Dr. Jestice enjoys a variety of research and writing, and her work over the years has included two scholarly monographs, a number of translations, and extensive publications for a more general audience on ancient and medieval warfare, including The Timeline of Medieval Warfare (2008).
Christer Jorgensen has a Ph.D from University College, London. An expert on military history, Jorgensen has published various books on the history of European warfare. Based in London, he has also contributed to Battles That Changed Warfare and Battles of the Crusades.
Michael F. Pavkovic earned his Ph.D from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He currently serves as an associate professor of strategy and policy at the US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He is co-author of What is Military History?
