
About this episode
It is time to talk to historian Nic Morton again, we last discussed the Mongols and today are talking about the Crusades and crusading warfare. We talk about why it is a problematic idea to paint the Crusades as simply an East versus West or Christian versus Muslim conflict. We talk about the military challenges confronted by the Crusaders when besieging Jerusalem and the later problems they encountered when building a kingdom with the holy city as its capital. We discuss religious relics and whether anyone actually believed the Holy Lance (discovered during the siege of Antioch) saved the Crusaders. And, of course, we evaluate the military tactics of each side and the best leaders.
Purchase Dr. Morton's Book: The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A Military History, 1099-1187
Try the Medievalist Online Course (Feb. 2024): Medievalists.net
Western Civ Website
Patreon Support
Purchase Dr. Morton's Book: The Crusader States and their Neighbours: A Military History, 1099-1187
Try the Medievalist Online Course (Feb. 2024): Medievalists.net
Western Civ Website
Patreon Support
Get every episode summarized
Each time Western Civ publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Western Civ

Episode 556: The Twenty Years' Armistice
Western Civ
Sep 11, 202650:17completed

Blood Dawn: World War II and the Making of Modern Asia
Western Civ
Sep 8, 202656:12completed

Episode 555: Muddling Through
Western Civ
Sep 4, 202645:21completed

Western Civ 2.0: The "Antonines"
Western Civ
Sep 2, 20262:36:28pending