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Jerusalem: Most Heavily Fortified City in The Medieval World
Jerusalem at the time of the First Crusade. The Christians believed that Jerusalem was the holiest city on Earth, just as did their Muslim and Jewish counterparts. It was the city where Christ had...
View ArticleCrusades and Crusaders: One Year!
The 28th of October will mark one year since I launched this blog, Crusades and Crusaders. My passion for History — medieval history and the Crusades in particular — compelled me to start this blog....
View ArticleGodfrey of Bouillon: Leader of the Crusade
The odds of victory were stacked heavily against the Franks. Not only were they isolated, their army wasn’t big enough to encircle the entirety of Jerusalem. Granted, Jerusalem’s geographical setting...
View ArticleSiege of Jerusalem: The Need for Siege Engines
On 12 June, the princes made a pilgrimage to the Mount of Olives with the intention of purifying their souls, but also with hopes that one person or vision would promise them a swift victory. There,...
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The Final Assault on Jerusalem (Part 1)
The Siege of Jerusalem 1099 In early July, before they had completed the building of their siege engines, the crusaders learnt that Al-Afdal had gathered an army and was marching on Jerusalem. That...
View ArticleThe Final Assault on Jerusalem (Part 2)
Godfrey’s first priority was to break through the outer wall that protected Jerusalem’s northern battlements. That was the only way – and only place – where Godfrey could move his large, portable siege...
View ArticleSiege of Jerusalem in 1099: Savage Massacre or Typical Post-Siege Violence?
After spending two years fighting the Muslims, reconquering land for the Byzantines; faced with starvation, disease and near annihilation, the crusaders finally accomplished what they had set out to...
View ArticleThe Nizaris: Reason for Tughtegin’s Alliance With the Franks
Maudud returned to Damascus with Tughtegin early in the Fall of 1113. This turned out to be a fatal decision for Maudud because, while attending prayers at the Grand Mosque with Tughtegin, Maudud was...
View ArticleReynald de Châtillon in a Dungeon
This is an excerpt from Helena Schrader’s yet-to-be released novel, Defender of Jerusalem. Reynald de Châtillon was having more trouble getting his bearings than he was prepared to admit. He abhorred...
View ArticleRoger’s Victory
Aleppo was in a state of disarray in the second decade of the 12th century. The Sultan of Baghdad, seeing that as an opportunity to enhance his power in the Middle East, funded a new invasion into...
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The Holy Lance: A Review
This is a review of Author Andrew Latham’s latest release, The Holy Lance. Review written by Helena Schrader. Finally! A book that describes the Templars as they really were: devout Catholic fighting...
View ArticleCrusaders and Chivalry
This is an article by co-contributor, Helena Schrader. The crusaders have often been accused of barbarism — starting with the Byzantine princess Anna Comnena and the Saracens who faced the Frankish...
View ArticleOmar Khadr: Can a Terrorist Like him be Given a Second Chance at Life?
This morning my mother and I saw an interesting episode on ‘Context with Lorna Dueck: Life Beyond the Headlines’. ‘Context’ is a Christian-based, independent television series that relies on donations...
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Book Review: ‘The Leper King and his Heirs’ by Bernard Hamilton
Book review by co-contributor Helena Schrader. This is an excellent, detailed and well-documented account of the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It focuses on the quarter...
View ArticleThe King’s Knight: Balian d’Ibelin
This is an excerpt from Helena Schrader’s historical fiction, Knight of Jerusalem. “Give me five minutes to prepare him!” Balian begged his brother, who had come with the news that the High Court had...
View ArticleBaldwin le Bourcq Becomes Baldwin II of Jerusalem
While they were in Egypt, Baldwin I announced his arrangement for his succession before all his vassals. That was at the end of March in 1118, shortly before his death. ‘Baldwin resolved the kingdom...
View ArticleEnglish Contributions to the Crusades
This is a guest article by co-contributor, Helena Schrader. When we look back on the Crusades, we are more likely to think of the French, who dominated the Christian crusader kingdoms in “Outremer,”...
View ArticleBaldwin II: Man of God, Man of Reconciliation
William of Tyre described Baldwin II as a just man, pious and God-fearing (Barber, 118). Baldwin II was much like Godfrey of Bouillon and the complete opposite of Baldwin I. Whereas Baldwin I ruled...
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Interview With Helena Schrader: Author of ‘Defender of Jerusalem’
1. Tell us about your latest release, ‘Defender of Jerusalem’. “Defender of Jerusalem” is the second book in my three-part biographical novel about Balian d’Ibelin. It covers the historically...
View ArticleReynald de Châtillon in a Dungeon
This is an excerpt from Helena Schrader’s yet-to-be released novel, Defender of Jerusalem. Reynald de Châtillon was having more trouble getting his bearings than he was prepared to admit. He abhorred...
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