History Extra podcast Should we stop talking about the crusades?
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Nov 20, 2024 William Purkis, a Professor of Medieval History, and historian Emily Briffett dive deep into the complexities of the Crusades. They challenge the simplistic view of these events as solely religious wars, revealing a rich tapestry of motivations and societal involvement. With insights on archival terminology and the overlooked role of figures like Alfonso I of Aragon, they advocate for a nuanced understanding. The discussion emphasizes the cultural and political layers that shaped the crusading fervor, calling for a reevaluation of our historical perspectives.
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Rethinking the Crusades
- The traditional view of the Crusades is too simplistic.
- It focuses on military campaigns in the Holy Land as a clash between Christianity and Islam.
Beyond Numbered Expeditions
- The traditional Crusades narrative overlooks smaller, continuous crusading activities.
- It emphasizes numbered expeditions led by prominent figures, distorting the view of crusading frequency.
Agreement and Disagreement on Numbered Crusades
- Modern historians generally agree on the major Crusades.
- However, there's less agreement about later crusades, especially regarding Frederick II's crusade.