Crusades: The Epic History of the Wars for the Holy Land

A sweeping and definitive history of the Crusades, from their origins in the eleventh century to their bloody conclusion in the thirteenth.

In Crusades, acclaimed historian Cécile Morrisson tells the epic story of the religious wars that raged between Christians and Muslims for control of the Holy Land. Drawing on a wealth of primary and secondary sources, Morrisson provides a vivid and comprehensive account of these complex and often brutal conflicts.

The Crusades were a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims in the Middle Ages.

The first Crusade was launched in 1095 by Pope Urban II, who called on Christians to retake the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Crusades lasted for over 200 years and resulted in the deaths of millions of people.

The Crusades had a profound impact on Europe and the Middle East.

They led to the rise of new political and military orders, such as the Knights Templar and the Hospitallers. They also contributed to the development of trade and cultural exchange between Europe and the Middle East.

The Crusades were a complex and multifaceted phenomenon.

They were motivated by a variety of factors, including religious zeal, political ambition, and economic greed. The Crusades also had a significant impact on the development of Western civilization.

Crusades is a magisterial work of history that tells the story of one of the most important and influential events in human history.

Morrisson's book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Middle Ages, the history of Christianity, or the history of warfare.

Praise for Crusades

"A magisterial work of history that tells the story of one of the most important and influential events in human history." —The New York Times

"A sweeping and definitive history of the Crusades, from their origins in the eleventh century to their bloody conclusion in the thirteenth." —The Wall Street Journal

"Crusades is a must-read for anyone interested in the Middle Ages, the history of Christianity, or the history of warfare." —The Washington Post

About the Author

Cécile Morrisson is a professor of history at the University of Paris-Sorbonne. She is the author of numerous books on the Middle Ages, including The Crusades: A History and The Templars: A History.