The first great city to which the Crusaders came in 1089 was not Jerusalem but Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine empire. It was the Muslim threat to the empire which had led Urban II to preach the First Crusade. Almost as much as Jerusalem itself, Byzantium was the key to the foundation, survival and ultimate eclipse of the crusading kingdom. The Byzantines had developed an ideology over seven hundred years which placed Constantinople, rather than Rome or Jerusalem, at the centre of the world. The attitudes of ...
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The first great city to which the Crusaders came in 1089 was not Jerusalem but Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine empire. It was the Muslim threat to the empire which had led Urban II to preach the First Crusade. Almost as much as Jerusalem itself, Byzantium was the key to the foundation, survival and ultimate eclipse of the crusading kingdom. The Byzantines had developed an ideology over seven hundred years which placed Constantinople, rather than Rome or Jerusalem, at the centre of the world. The attitudes of its rulers reflected this priority, and led to tensions with the crusaders over military and diplomatic strategy. At the same time, the riches and sophistication of the great city made a lasting impression on the crusaders, even though they found Byzantine society alien and remote. In the end, the lure of the city's wealth was irresistibly fatal to the claims of Christian unity. In April 1204, the Fourth Crusade under the Venetian doge Enrico Dandolo captured and sacked Constantinople, signalling the effective end of almost a thousand years of Byzantine dominance in the east.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book contains pen markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in fair condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 700grams, ISBN: 9781852852986.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. 2003. Hardcover. Fine in fine dustjacket.....We ship daily from our warehouse. Over 350, 000 customers served online! Our feedback reflects our service....'Quick delivery and book was exactly as described', 'Great service-thank you! '