The Crusader States

The Crusader States, 1099-1192, is a comprehensive account of life and culture in the twelfth-century crusader states. Following the First Crusade's capture of Jerusalem from Egyptian rule, the crusaders sought to reestablish Christian control over Syria and Palestine. This book explores the resulting settlements, including Jerusalem, Antioch, Tripoli, and Edessa, and delves into their establishment, protection, and cultural development.

Malcolm Barber vividly reconstructs the complex process of establishing and protecting these settlements, as well as the struggle of vanquished inhabitants to adapt to life alongside their conquerors. The book offers a rich tapestry of colorful accounts of military campaigns, as well as in-depth examinations of the culture, architecture, political institutions, and ecclesiastical framework of the crusader states.

With meticulous scholarship, Barber presents a complete narrative and cultural history of the crusader states, setting a new standard for the term "total history". This detailed exploration provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between conquerors and conquered populations in the medieval Mediterranean.