Episode 91: Traders and Traitors

Explore the interaction between East and West during the Middle Ages, with a focus on trade, the Crusades, and the Knights Templar's role as holy Crusaders and medieval bankers. Discover the rise of Arab science and medicine and its spread to Western Europe. Learn about the origins of the Crusades, thriving trade networks, and the emergence of lingua franca as a shared trading language. Uncover the transformation of the Templars from protectors to major banking institution in Western Europe. Delve into the cultural items carried during the Crusades and the risks faced by pilgrims and traders. Follow the events surrounding Richard's departure for the Crusades, including conflicts with King Philip of France and the conquest of Cyprus.