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The Fifth Crusade

A History of the Epic Campaign to Conquer Egypt
Brief Description
A fascinating account of the Fifth Crusade, the campaign to conquer Egypt and regain the Holy Land. In 1217, the crusader states were in a highly fragile condition. The Fourth Crusade had failed, and Jerusalem had not been recovered. The crusaders now set their sights on... Read More
Format: Hardback
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A fascinating account of the Fifth Crusade, the campaign to conquer Egypt and regain the Holy Land

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A fascinating account of the Fifth Crusade, the campaign to conquer Egypt and regain the Holy Land.

In 1217, the crusader states were in a highly fragile condition. The Fourth Crusade had failed, and Jerusalem had not been recovered. The crusaders now set their sights on Egypt. If the breadbasket of the Mediterranean could be conquered, long-term Christian control of the Holy Land could be ensured. Led by the rulers of Hungary and Austria, and backed by the Knights Templar and Hospitaller, the Fifth Crusade was launched.

Thomas Smith tells the gripping story of the crusade for Egypt. Looking at a wide range of Christian and Muslim sources, Smith sheds new light on the brutal reality of medieval combat on land and water. We see a dramatic beach landing, the invention of a unique floating siege engine, and the conquest of the crucial port city of Damiettaβ€”one of the most famous and successful sieges of the crusades.

Smith provides fresh insights into strategy, showing how, despite early victories, foolish decision making meant that the crusaders ultimately snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300283952

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 July 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 16 b-w illus. + 3 maps

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Thomas Smith is Keeper of the Scholars at Rugby School and holds honorary research positions at Royal Holloway and the University of Kent. A leading expert on the Fifth Crusade, he is the author of Rewriting the First Crusade and Curia and Crusade. He was
elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society in 2017.

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