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Crusader Archaeology

The Material Culture of the Latin East

By Adrian J. Boas

Published January 4th 2010 by Routledge – 296 pages

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Description

Crusader Archaeology draws together recent excavated material culture in Israel, Cyprus, Syria and Jordan to examine what life was like for the Crusaders in their territory, and how they were influenced by their new-found neighbours. Chapters discuss:

* urban and rural settlements

* surveying agriculture

* industry

* the military

* the church

* public and private architecture

* arts and crafts

* leisure pusuits

* death and burial

* building techniques.

This highly illustrated volume creates a wonderful portrait of the period, which will make fascinating reading for all those interested in the Middle Ages, and in particular the Crusaders.

Reviews

will be indispensable to both specialists and laymen - Rivista 377 [Summer 2000]

'This exceptionally well illustrated book offers a splendid addition to understanding the history of the Middle Ages and particularly the Crusades … an invaluable guide to the extensive material culture and society of Crusader times … the author has succeeded in producing a study of fundamental importance to readers interested in the Middle Ages.' - Choice

'The convenience of having such a range of material brought together between two covers will doubtless ensure that it retains a place in undergraduate reading lists for some time to come.' - Society for Medieval Archaeology

Contents

Lists of Maps and Illustrations Preface and Acknowledgements A Note on the Use of Place Names 1. Background: The Crusaders and Outremer 2. The City and Urban Life 3. The Rural Landscape 4. The Defence of the Latin East 5. Frankish Ecclesiastical Architecture 6. Crafts and Minor Arts 7. The Fine Arts 8. Building Techniques and Materials 9. Burials Postscript Notes Chronology Abbreviations Bibliography Index.

Author Bio

Adrian J.Boas is Lecturer in medieval archaeology at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, and at haifa University. He has directed excavations at a crusader village and a number of castles near Jerusalem.