Western Spies in the Levant
Robert H. Schwoebel explains how, in the fifteenth century, the growing power of the Turks prompted a number of European princes to despatch emissaries to the Levant as intelligence officers on the Eastern Question.
The steady advance of the Ottoman Turks in south-eastern Europe during the fifteenth century was the cause of successive crises and recurrent alarms in Latin Christendom. Popes and preachers of the crusade, princes, diplomats and publicists, repeatedly warned of the imminent danger to the West. They denounced the Turks as cruel barbarians, the enemies of civilization and true religion, and proclaimed the need for peace among Christians and for a joint expedition against the infidels.
Modern scholars have often disputed the sincerity of these declarations. The Turkish threat, they have pointed out, served as a pretext for raising funds and recommending the selfish policies of rulers and churchmen who had no serious interest in the Eastern problem, and, indeed, no accurate knowledge of Turkish affairs. Yet, at the same time, in the hearts of many Christians, the mystique of the crusade undoubtedly lingered on.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.