InSacred Violence, renowned medieval historian Jill N. Claster examines warfare between Christians and Muslims for control of the embattled city of Jerusalem. Beyond the battlefield, however, Claster explains the relationship of Jews, Christians, and Muslims to the Holy City and how that relationship still resonates today. The book encompasses the history of the kingdom founded by the Crusaders which lasted, against all odds, for two hundred years, and details the richness that emerged from the interplay of its many cultural groups. It also tells the story of how and why the Crusades came about, their impact on the Middle East and Europe, and their legacy to subsequent generations.

Sacred Violenceincludes twenty-eight black-and-white images, a sumptuous colour insert, and numerous maps to draw the reader closer to this tumultuous history. A chronology and a list of key rulers provide further clarification of events. An extensive bibliography is included.

Renowned medieval historian Jill N. Claster examines warfare between Christians and Muslims for control of the embattled city of Jerusalem.

Illustrations

Maps

Acknowledgments

Author's Note

Prologue

Part One:

1. Jerusalem and the Eastern Mediterranean before the Crusades
2. The Scene Is Set: Western Europe before the First Crusade
3. The First Crusade: From the Siege of Nicaea to the Triumph at Jerusalem

Part Two:

4. Baldwin I and the Early Years of the Latin Kingdom
5. From the Reign of Baldwin II to the End of the Second Crusade
6. Life in Outremer to the Fall of Jerusalem

Part Three:

7. The Changing Ideology of Crusading in the Thirteenth Century
8. Storm Clouds Gather over the East
9. The New Frontiers of Crusading and the Last Years in the East

Epilogue

Appendices:

Chronology of the Crusades

Lists of Rulers

List of Credits

A Selected Bibliography of the Crusades

Index