The First Crusaders, 1095-1131

Description

Much has been written about the crusades, but very little about the crusaders. What moved them to go? What preparations did they need to make? How did they react to their experiences? This book comes up with detailed answers to these questions, and offers the first systematic reading of a large cache of contemporary source-material. Clusters of crusaders can be identified in individual family groups, and the collective commitment of these claims manifested itself in support for the new settlements in the east. Indeed, crusading was so dependent upon the support and enthusiasm of family groups that the movement was open to domination by them: the example of the Montlhery clan is cited, who tried to seize control of the crusading movement in the 1120s.

' ... an authoritative statement, written with verve ... Based on a meticulous study of all known charters and combined with the chronicle reports and some poetic accounts of what came to be known as the First Crusade, Riley-Smith conjures a humane, believable and multi-faceted picture of the aspirations and capacities which motivated and enabled some thousands of French fighting men to arrange for their journey to the Holy Land, to provide for themselves and their dependents en route, and to withstand the ounishing rigours of journey and battles.' The English Historical Review 'Whatever they thought, what the First Crusaders did more than justifies our attention.' Early Medieval Europe