Synopses & Reviews
The Teutonic Order, a military religious institution founded in 1190, played an important part in the defence of the Christian territories in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Baltic regions of Prussia and Livonia; it also had a secondary medical role. Yet despite its significance, there has been relatively little study of it, and this comprehensive analysis will be warmly welcomed. The author begins with a discussion of the establishment's early development and its rising importance in the Latin East, showing how the Order's growth was shaped by the contemporary needs of the kingdom of Jerusalem. He then considers its interactions with local magnates and rulers, and, on a wider scale, with its relationship with the papacy and empire. He also looks at the ways in which the brethren divided their manpower and resources between their Baltic and Mediterranean military commitments. Throughout, the actions of the Teutonic Order are contrasted with the better-known Templars and Hospitallers, to demonstrate the occasions where the Teutonic Knights shaped their own identity and policies, and the instances where they drew upon the existing models provided by these older institutions. Dr NICHOLAS EDWARD MORTON teaches in the Department of History at the University of Swansea.
Synopsis
A detailed study of the Teutonic Knights in the Holy Land, covering both their military and administrative affairs.
The Teutonic Order was founded in 1190 to provide medical care for crusaders in the kingdom of Jerusalem. In time, it assumed a military role and played an important part in the defence of the Christian territories in the EasternMediterranean and in the Baltic regions of Prussia and Livonia; in the Levant, it fought against the neighbouring Islamic powers, whilst managing their turbulent relations with their patrons in the papacy and the German Empire. Asthe Order grew, it colonised territories in Prussia and Livonia, forcing it to address how it distributed its resources between its geographically-spread communities. Similarly, the brethren also needed to develop an organisational framework that could support the conduct of war on frontiers that were divided by hundreds of miles.
This book - the first comprehensive analysis of the Order in the Holy Land - explores the formative years of this powerful international institution and places its deeds in the Levant within the context of the wider Christian, pagan and Islamic world. It examines the challenges that shaped its identity and the masters who planned its policies.
Dr NICHOLAS MORTON is Lecturer in History at Nottingham Trent University.
Synopsis
A detailed study of the Teutonic Knights in the Holy Land, covering both their military and administrative affairs.
Synopsis
The Teutonic Order was founded in 1190 to provide medical care for crusaders in the kingdom of Jerusalem. In time, it assumed a military role and played an important part in the defence of the Christian territories in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Baltic regions of Prussia and Livonia; in the Levant, it fought against the neighbouring Islamic powers, whilst managing their turbulent relations with their patrons in the papacy and the German Empire. As the Order grew, it colonised territories in Prussia and Livonia, forcing it to address how it distributed its resources between its geographically-spread communities. Similarly, the brethren also needed to develop an organisational framework that could support the conduct of war on frontiers that were divided by hundreds of miles.BR> This book - the first comprehensive analysis of the Order in the Holy Land - explores the formative years of this powerful international institution and places its deeds in the Levant within the context of the wider Christian, pagan and Islamic world. It examines the challenges that shaped its identity and the masters who planned its policies. Dr NICHOLAS MORTON is Lecturer in Medieval History at Swansea University.