The debacle of the Second Crusade in 1148 caused the Crusader States to realise the necessity of developing a more cautious strategy. The original expansionist spirit largely disappeared, and the Crusader States made priorities of strengthening their existing fortifications and towns and building new castles. These structures encompassed core aspects of Western European military architecture with the integration of rapidly developing Arab and Islamic traditions. Following Fortress 21: 'Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097-1192', this book examines the design, development and defensive principles of some of the best-known Crusader fortifications and castles, including Crac des Chevaliers, Castel Blanc, Arsuf, Margat, Atlit, Montfort and Acre.
David Nicolle, illustrated by Adam Hook
The debacle of the Second Crusade in 1148 caused the Crusader States to realise the necessity of developing a more cautious strategy. The original expansionist spirit largely disappeared, and the Crusader States made priorities of strengthening their existing fortifications and towns and building new castles. These structures encompassed core aspects of Western European military architecture with the integration of rapidly developing Arab and Islamic traditions. Following Fortress 21: 'Crusader Castles in the Holy Land 1097-1192', this book examines the design, development and defensive principles of some of the best-known Crusader fortifications and castles, including Crac des Chevaliers, Castel Blanc, Arsuf, Margat, Atlit, Montfort and Acre.
David Nicolle, illustrated by Adam Hook
Introduction; Chronology; The development of Crusader fortifications; The principles of defence; A tour of five Crusader fortifications; Life in the Holy Land castles; The Crusader States at war; The fate of the fortifications; Visiting the fortifications today; Further reading; Glossary; Index
David Nicolle was born in 1944 and worked for the BBC, including
the overseas broadcasting service, before he returned to university
and obtained his PhD in Edinburgh. He subsequently taught at
Yarmouk University in Jordan. He now devotes himself to writing and
is a specialist in medieval arms and armour. He is also a frequent
contributor to numerous specialist journals and international
conferences. He lives in Leicestershire, UK.
Adam Hook studied graphic design and began his work as an
illustrator in 1983. He specialises in detailed historical
reconstructions and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs,
the Greeks, the American Civil War and the American Revolution. His
work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.
He lives in Sussex, UK.
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