The Crusades

In 1095, Pope Urban II called upon Christians to march under the banner of the Cross and save their brothers in the East from the advance of Islam. This book tells the story of the fanatics and fantasists, knights and peasants who were caught up in these fervent times. It reveals how Muslims, Jews and Christians were massacred.

In 1095, Pope Urban II called upon Christians to march under the banner of the Cross and save their brothers in the East from the advance of Islam. This vision of crusading Christianity dominated the events of the next two centuries and brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, sworn to spread Christianity and wrest the Holy Land from the Infidel. First published to accompany the acclaimed BBC television series, "Crusades" tells the compelling, often horrific, story of the fanatics and fantasists, knights and peasants who were caught up in these fervent times. It reveals how Muslims, Jews and Christians were massacred, and how the Crusades sowed the seeds of 'jihad', the holy war for Islam, a legacy that endures today.

The world of a crusader
the great adventure
war in Anatolia
the march to Jerusalem
the Arab response
the fight back begins
St Bernard's dogs
Arab unity
Saladin the upstart
the fall of Jerusalem
to the rescue
the battle of the heroes - Richard vs Saladin
the fourth crusade
a new kind of crusade
Mongols and Mameluks.