True Crusader Crime: Muslim Murder and Political Drama
The crusaders were tough – but they had no monopoly on political violence. Murders within Muslim hierarchies were relatively common too.
Medieval moat discovered in Jerusalem
A deep 1,000-year-old rock-hewn moat and a mysterious hand imprint were uncovered next to the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem
True Crusader Crime: Murder Below Stairs
Life in the crusader states and their Muslim enemies could be harsh – and the strictures of that life occasionally drove people to murderous violence.
The Rebuilding of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1192 – 1244)
By 1244 the Kingdom of Jerusalem had regained control over most of its former territories to the west of the Jordan river including the city of Jerusalem.
The Assassins in Fact and Fiction
Perhaps no other group from the Middle Ages has sparked modern-day imaginations like the Assassins. Viewed as mystical and deadly, they were said to be led in Syria by a charismatic figure known as the Old Man of the Mountain. What can we really know about them?
True Crusader Crime: The Murder of the Bishop of Acre
The murder of the bishop of Acre, however, which took place on the night of 29 June 1172, was something altogether more disturbing.
Who ran the Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099-1187)?
Created in the wake of the First Crusade, the Kingdom of Jerusalem proved to be a challenging place to rule over.
Graffiti from 15th-century Swiss hero discovered in Jerusalem
Adrian von Bubenberg, who has gone down in history as a hero of medieval Switzerland, went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1466. Israeli researchers have now discovered that graffiti of his name and family emblem at the site of David’s Tomb in Jerusalem.
Early medieval mosaics discovered in Israel
Archaeologists working in Israel have discovered mosaics from the early Middle Ages. They were found in a residence that was near Khirbat al-Minya, an Ummayad palace built in the eighth century.
Hidden hoard of Byzantine gold coins discovered in Golan Heights
A hoard of 44 gold coins dating to the seventh century has been discovered in the ruins of Banias in the Golan Heights. They were found during archaeological excavations carried out by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Saladin’s Siege of Saone in 1188: A New Interpretation
In July 1188, Saladin and his army arrived at Saone, one of the largest castles held by the Crusaders in Syria. Despite the castle’s size and strength, it fell to the Muslims after a siege that lasted only a few days.
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.