This is a general account of the history and architecture of Crusader castles in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, County of Tripoli and Principality of Antioch between 1099 and 1291, the years during which the Crusaders had a permanent presence on the Levantine coast. Extensive use is made of contemporary chronicles to show the reasons why castles were built and how they were used in peace and war. The book is fully illustrated by photographs, drawings and plans, and contains a comprehensive bibliography.

A general illustrated account of the history and architecture of Crusader castles.

For the last 150 years the historiography of the Crusades has been dominated by nationalist and colonialist discourses in Europe and the Levant. These modern histories have interpreted the Crusades in terms of dichotomous camps, Frankish and Muslim. In this revisionist study, Ronnie Ellenblum presents an interpretation of Crusader historiography that instead defines military and architectural relations between the Franks, local Christians, Muslims and Turks in terms of continuous dialogue and mutual influence. Through close analysis of siege tactics, defensive strategies and the structure and distribution of Crusader castles, Ellenblum relates patterns of crusader settlement to their environment and demonstrates the influence of opposing cultures on tactics and fortifications. He argues that fortifications were often built according to economic and geographic considerations rather than for strategic reasons or to protect illusory 'frontiers', and that Crusader castles are the most evident expression of a cultural dialogue between east and west.

Castles & Crusades is a fantasy role playing game with countless possibilities. The Players Handbook allows you to take up the sword & shield, to arm yourself as you desire and wander upon planes of your own imaging and plunder the wealth of adventure.

Continues Part 1. Beneath the shadows of that ancient and dread place men call Castle Zagyg stands the fortified town of Yggsburgh. Its stout walls and cobbled ways give ample refuge to those bold and worthy adventurers who come to the Four Tors to plunder the dungeon deeps of the Mad Mage or die valiantly in the effort. Binding the walls, are the Urt and Nemo Rivers, whose tumbling waters stretch the length of the lands beyond the Four Tors, Castle Zagyg and Yggsburgh. In these hinterlands are marks of the Mage in such places as the Oldoaks Grove, Glittering Knobs, Uplands and the Lonely Valley. Enter the environs of that most dread of magi, test your metal and make ready for the heroes forge that is Castle Zagyg! Yggsburgh is an introductory setting for Castle Zagyg proper, designed for 4-8 players of mid to low level. Beyond the town proper are detailed over 30 encounter areas. Yggsburgh comprises 1500 square miles of adventuring terrain, complete with all the information players and DMs need.

North of the Bergruken, upon the broken slopes of the Massif the suns fading brilliance outlines the ancient ruins of the once thriving metropolis of Gaxmoor. The former beacon of Imperial power mysteriously vanished ages ago. Now it has returned, beckoning brave adventurers to explore its ruins and crypts, and to vanquish the chaos and evil that lies within. The Lost City of Gaxmoor is a complete adventure setting that takes characters from levels 1-10. Playable in any home brew setting or in the World of Aihrde! Made in the USA.

Once considered fairly tame, the fires of war are being fanned along this frontier region. Raids and plundering confound the settlements near the Blacktooth Ridge. Rumors of the Goblin King and his fearless warriors are beginning to circulate as are whispers of ogres and trolls on the prowl. The call has gone out and the Ridge beckons to all willing to risk life and limb for gold and glory. This Castles & Crusades module is designed for 3-5 characters with a challenge level of 1-2.