Includes bibliographic references (p.[687]-742) and index.
Contents
Part I: The coming of the Crusades. Holy war, holy land ; Syrian ordeals ; The sacred city ; Creating the crusader states ; Outremer ; Crusading reborn -- Part II: The response of Islam. Muslim revival ; The light of faith ; The wealth of Egypt ; Heir or usurper ; The Sultan of Islam ; Holy warrior -- Part III: The trial of champions. Called to crusade ; The conqueror challenged ; The coming of kings ; Lionheart ; Jerusalem ; Resolution -- Part IV: The struggle for survival. Rejuvenation ; New paths ; A saint at war -- Part V: Victory in the East. Lion of Egypt ; The Holy Land reclaimed -- Conclusion. Legacy of the crusades.
Summary
Drawing on painstaking original research and an intimate knowledge of the Near East, Thomas Asbridge uncovers what drove Muslims and Christians alike to embrace the ideals of "jihad" and crusade, revealing how these holy wars reshaped the medieval world and why they continue to influence events today.
