What Were the Crusades?

Jonathan Riley-Smith's "What Were the Crusades?" stands as a concise yet authoritative introduction to one of the most contentious and misunderstood periods in medieval history. As one of the leading scholars of crusading history, Riley-Smith brings decades of research and expertise to bear on fundamental questions about these religious wars that shaped relations between Christianity and Islam for centuries.

The book addresses its titular question with remarkable clarity, cutting through centuries of mythmaking and modern misconceptions. Riley-Smith explains that the crusades were not simply military expeditions to the Holy Land, but rather a complex phenomenon rooted in medieval Christian theology and practice. He demonstrates how these campaigns were understood by participants as acts of penance and devotion, fundamentally religious in character rather than merely political or economic ventures dressed in religious language.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its examination of what motivated crusaders. Riley-Smith moves beyond simplistic explanations of greed or land hunger to reveal the genuine religious fervor that drove many participants. The concept of armed pilgrimage, central to understanding the crusading movement, receives careful attention. Medieval Christians viewed these expeditions as penitential acts that could lead to spiritual merit and even salvation, a worldview that modern readers often struggle to comprehend.

The author also addresses the scope of crusading, explaining that these wars extended far beyond the famous expeditions to Jerusalem. Crusades were called against various enemies of Christendom, including campaigns in the Baltic region, Spain, and even against heretics within Christian Europe itself. This broader perspective helps readers understand that crusading became an established institution within medieval society, with its own legal framework, financing mechanisms, and theological justifications.

Riley-Smith pays particular attention to the First Crusade and its capture of Jerusalem in 1099, an event that established the pattern for subsequent expeditions. He explains the establishment of crusader states in the Levant and the ongoing military efforts required to maintain them. The fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187 and the subsequent Third Crusade receive due consideration, as do later expeditions that often fell short of their objectives.

The book does not shy away from the violence and brutality that characterized many crusading campaigns. The massacre of Jerusalem's inhabitants in 1099 and attacks on Jewish communities in Europe are acknowledged as tragic realities of the crusading movement. Riley-Smith presents these events within their historical context without excusing them, allowing readers to form their own judgments while understanding medieval attitudes toward warfare and religious difference.

Another valuable aspect of this work is its discussion of how crusading ideology evolved over time. What began as a response to appeals for help from Byzantine Christians and a desire to liberate Jerusalem gradually transformed into a broader authorization for holy war against various enemies. The Fourth Crusade's notorious sack of Constantinople in 1204 exemplifies how far the movement had strayed from its original purposes, something Riley-Smith analyzes with appropriate scholarly distance.

The author's treatment of Islamic perspectives and responses enriches the narrative considerably. Rather than presenting a one-sided account focused solely on Christian motivations and actions, the book acknowledges how Muslim leaders and populations experienced and reacted to crusading invasions. The concept of jihad and its relationship to crusading receives thoughtful consideration, though necessarily brief given the book's scope and focus.

For readers seeking an accessible entry point into crusade studies, this book serves admirably. Riley-Smith writes with authority but avoids the dense prose and extensive footnoting that can make academic works intimidating to general readers. The narrative flows logically from topic to topic, building understanding progressively rather than assuming prior knowledge.

The book's brevity is both a strength and a limitation. While it provides an excellent overview, readers seeking detailed accounts of specific crusades or deeper analysis of particular themes will need to consult more comprehensive works. Riley-Smith himself has written such longer studies, and this shorter work can serve as a gateway to that more extensive literature.

"What Were the Crusades?" succeeds in its primary mission of providing clear, accurate answers to fundamental questions about the crusading movement. Riley-Smith's scholarly credentials ensure reliability, while his clear prose makes complex historical material accessible. The book serves as an antidote to popular misconceptions while avoiding the trap of oversimplification. For anyone seeking to understand this pivotal chapter in medieval history, this volume offers an authoritative and readable starting point that respects both the subject matter and the reader's intelligence.