Description
Book SynopsisIn the late eleventh century, tens of thousands of peopleknights and peasants, men and women, priests and lordsset out on a long and arduous journey to retake the holy city of Jerusalem. They traveled thousands of miles across difficult terrain and into hostile territory. How did they accomplish this remarkable task? How did they move through such an ever-changing and diverse landscape? Logistics of the First Crusade: Acquiring Supplies amid Chaos looks at the plans that they made and the methods they implemented to sustain themselves on this remarkable expedition in an attempt to understand how they persisted on the First Crusade. The crusaders sought to implement order as they traveled, moving with intent and adapting when confronted with hardship. In the end, they succeeded largely through their logistical perseverance.
Trade ReviewThis thoroughly researched and richly detailed study of supplying the First Crusade makes two important contributions. It demonstrates firstly that the crusaders were capable, thoughtful, effective, judicious, and—if necessary—ruthless in supplying themselves. Secondly, the First Crusade’s logistical success reveals more skillful leadership than previous scholarship has usually portrayed.
-- Alex Roland, Duke University
Table of ContentsPart I: Establishing Supply Practices: European Preparations and the Siege of Nicaea
Chapter 1: Logistical Preparations and Implementation in Europe
Chapter 2: Controlled Violence
Chapter 3: Pilgrims at Nicaea
Part II: The Road to Anioch: Crossing Anatolia and the Siege of Antioch
Chapter 4: Into Anatolia
Chapter 5: Approaching Antioch: Vying for Control on Land and at Sea
Chapter 6: Feeding the Army at Antioch
Chapter 7: The Siege of Antioch: Success through Logistics
Part III: Picking Up the Pieces: Re-establishing Logistical Practices and the Siege of Jerusalem
Chapter 8: A Pilgrim’s Progress: Besieged at Antioch
Chapter 9: Continued Delays and Strife after Antioch
Chapter 10: Success at Jerusalem: Food, Water, and Siege Engines
