The First Crusade 1095-99 was an astonishing success against all the odds. Why? In this new mini-series, Dr Thomas W Smith explores the four main contributory factors one at a time and in substantial depth. In this first episode, he considers the role played by the crusaders’ martial prowess. Just how significant was it in their ultimate victory?

This episode is the first in a mini-series of four. The complete mini-series includes:

Ep.1: What role did military skill play?

Ep.2: What role did religious fervour play?

Ep.3: What role did Byzantine support play?

Ep.4: What role did Muslim disunity play?

This mini-series is based on:

Re-writing the First Crusade

Other recommended works by Dr Thomas W Smith:

Curia and Crusade: Pope Honorius III and the Recovery of the Holy Land 1216-27

Further reading:

Andrew Jotischky: The Crusading and the Crusader States (2nd Ed.)

Jonathan Phillips: The Crusades 1095-1204

Jonathan Riley-Smith: The Crusades: A History

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Music by Aroshanti

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