Crusades

Jonathan Phillips sees one of the most notorious events in European history as a typical ‘clash of cultures’.

Christopher Tyerman explains why he believes the crusades were important in shaping the ideology and fiscal and political structures of the secular state.

Simon Lloyd assess the achievements and legacy of France's idealised royal crusader.

Nigel Saul discusses attempts to revive the crusading zeal in late medieval Europe and explains why they failed to rekindle the fervour of the earlier movement.

What did medieval contemporaries think of military orders such as the Knights Hospitaller and Teutonic Knights? Helen Nicholson investigates.

Douglas James explains why so many in the Christian West answered Urban II’s call to arms following the Council of Clermont in 1095.

Tom Bowers previews the History Channel’s new series on the Crusades and finds out what is different from previous attempts to put the holy wars on screen.

An idea promoted by Pope Urban II at the end of the 11th century continues to resonate in modern politics. Jonathan Phillips traces the 800-year history of ‘Crusade’ and its power as a concept that shows no sign of diminishing.

Umej Bhatia discusses Muslim memories of the Crusades and their resonances in Middle Eastern politics today.

Anthony Bryer considers the life and work of this great historian, who died in November 2000.