Gone Medieval

Rewriting the First Crusade

Sep 6, 2024
Dr. Thomas Smith, a leading historian of the Crusades, joins Matt Lewis to unravel the complexities of the First Crusade. They discuss how a collection of 22 crusader letters challenges traditional narratives and underscores authenticity issues in medieval scholarship. Dr. Smith introduces the concept of 'textual archaeology,' revealing original manuscripts beneath later alterations. The conversation also explores how local agendas shaped crusade narratives, inviting listeners to rethink their perceptions of this pivotal historical event.
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