Five tips for unscrupulous mercenaries working in the Medieval Near East
What was the nature of the mercenary market in the Near East?
Why did the Crusader States fall in 1291?
The war between the Mongols and the Mamluks in the second half of the thirteenth century would be the catalyst for the downfall of the Crusader States in the Near East.
1,200-year-old luxurious estate discovered in Israel
Archaeologists in Israel have discovered a 1,200-year-old luxurious estate in the Negev Desert. The site includes a unique vaulted complex overlying a three-meter-deep rock-hewn water cistern.
Medieval convent restored in Israel after being accidentally damaged
An early medieval nunnery located in Israel has been re-excavated and repaired after being damaged. The Horvat Hani convent existed from the fifth to the ninth century.
Umayyad-era graves discovered in Syria
A new study combining archaeological, historical and bioarchaeological data provides new insights into the early Islamic period in modern-day Syria. The research team was planning to focus on a much older time period but came across what they believe to be the remains of early Muslims in the Syrian countryside.
Crusader-era hand grenades? New research examines uses of medieval ceramics
The findings showed that some of the vessels contained a flammable and probably explosive material that indicated they may have been used as medieval hand grenades.
Remains from 14th century shipwreck discovered in Israel
Archaeologists in Israel have discovered the remains of two shipwrecks that foundered off the coast of Caesarea. One of the ships dates to the 14th century, while the other was from about the third century AD.
1,500-year-old mosaics uncovered at ruins of a Byzantine basilica
Archeologists working in the Golan Heights have uncovered mosaic floors dating back to the sixth century. It is believed to be part of a Byzantine basilica that was originally the legendary Church of the Apostles.
900-Year-Old Crusader Sword discovered by scuba diver
The sword’s discovery suggests that the natural anchorage where it was found was also used by ships in the Crusader period.
Massive early medieval wine factory discovered in Israel
A huge 1,500-year-old industrial estate has been uncovered in archeological excavations in the Israeli city of Yavne. During the Byzantine era this site could have produced as much as two million litres of wine every year.
Mass grave of crusaders discovered in Lebanon
A new study has revealed details about the remains of 25 soldiers from two mass graves discovered within the dry moat of Sidon Castle, Lebanon.
Early medieval objects discovered in Israel
Archaeologists working in Israel have discovered a number of early medieval objects, including a large winepress, a gold coin, and a bronze chain, which date as far back as 1500 years ago.
1600-year-old mosaic uncovered in Israel
An impressive 1600-year-old mosaic found during archaeological excavations in central Israel. It shows a floor decorated with colorful geometric motifs and having a black rectangular frame.
The War of Saint Sabas and the naval battle in Acre’s harbor
The rapidly growing maritime power of these two republics placed them on a collision course.
Early medieval inscription discovered in Israel
About 1400 years ago a woman named Maria died – archaeologists have now discovered a small burial stone that marked the end of her life.
The Two Towers: Crusader Acre and its Defences
The Accursed Tower and Tower of the Flies were the infamous defences of the city of Acre. Strange legends surround both towers, and they would prove to be formidable challenges to besieging armies during the Crusades.
New research on the petrified birds in the Dome of the Rock
On the southern exterior wall of the Dome of the Rock, a very important Islamic shrine in Jerusalem’s Old City, there are two marble slabs, both carved from the same stone and placed side by side to form a symmetrical pattern, that depicts two birds. The history of this marble decoration and how different narratives about its creation have been examined in a recent article.
Gold coins from the 10th century discovered in Jerusalem
Archaeologists working in Jerusalem have uncovered a small jug containing four gold coins dating back over a thousand years.
Medieval hoard of gold coins discovered in Israel
A hoard of 425 gold coins dating back to the ninth century have been uncovered by a pair of teenagers in Israel.
1200 year old soapery discovered
Archaeologists working in Israel have discovered the remains of an olive oil soap making workshop, farm houses and medieval gameboards.
Remains of a 1300 year old church discovered in Israel
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 1,300-year old church, with ornate mosaic floors, at the village of Kfar Kama in northern Israel.
The Challenge of State Building in the Twelfth Century: the Crusader States in Palestine and Syria
The crusader states in the twelfth century do not conform to the stereotypical constructs of historians and economists; instead they present a series of paradoxes.
13-year-old discovers Byzantine burial inscription
A 1500 year-old stone slab was discovered in Israel last week – found by a teenage boy who was out looking for mushrooms.
Gold coins dating back 1200 years discovered in Israel
Israeli archaeologists have discovered a set of seven gold coins stashed in small clay juglet. The coins date back to the ninth century.
Sixth-century Byzantine church discovered near Jerusalem
Archaeologists have discovered the remains of sixth-century Byzantine church near Jerusalem. Dedicated to an unnamed “glorious martyr”, the site is decorated with spectacular mosaic floors and Greek inscriptions.