The Era of the Crusades
In "The Era of the Crusades" Professor Kenneth W. Harl of Tulane University transports the listener into the historical, political, cultural, and religious situation that existed during the approximately 200 years of the Crusades. Of course this situation can only be understood completely by examining the events that lead up to the Crusades. Professor Harl dedicates the first twelve lectures to laying the groundwork for understanding the Crusades. Some of these events include the declining Byzantine Empire, the disruption of the pilgrimage routes, and changes in European warfare and politics.
The following 12 lectures cover the beginnings of the actual Crusades from 1095 to 1187. During this period the European crusaders were successful and resulted in the establishment of the Crusader states. Some of the problems they had to deal with were the problem of establishing European settlements in the Near East and the defense of holy cities against the Muslims. Dr. Harl also examines the dramatic changes in the Mediterranean economy that were a result of the Crusades.
The final 12 lectures cover the period from the Third Crusade (1189) to the end of the Crusades in 1250. The Third Crusade is one of the most romanticized of all the crusades. King Richard the Lionhearted was in charge of the Crusade and his exploits as the leader are the source of many legends. During this time there were several royal crusades in an attempt to retake Jerusalem from the Muslims with the seventh and final crusade ending in complete failure.
For anyone interested in the various factors surrounding the Crusades Professor Harl provides a complete understanding of the political, religious, economic, and historical factors of the time and his thorough treatment makes this a highly recommended course.
Professor: Kenneth W. Harl
Publisher: The Teaching Company
4151 Lafayette Center Drive, Suite 100
Chantilly, VA 20151-1232
Copyright: 2004
Lectures: 36
Format: Audio CD, DVD, Tape