How was violence understood and justified during the time of the crusades? This book argues that although just/holy war theory has long provided the framework for explaining crusading violence, cultural history gives us deeper insights into the meaning and conduct of medieval crusading warfare. Using a range of sources including histories, letters, and material culture from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, this book provides fresh insights into medieval violence and the history of the crusades. It shows how violence was debated, defined, worried about, celebrated, and condemned, and that the boundaries of legitimate and illegitimate conduct in crusading warfare were constantly and consciously tested.

Megan Cassidy-Welch is Professor of Medieval and Early Modern Studies and Director of the Medieval and Early Modern Studies Research Program at the Australian Catholic University.

Chapter 1: Spaces of Violence
Chapter 2: Bodies and Violence
Chapter 3: Memories, Emotions, and Aftermaths of Violence
Further Reading