Military equipment and siege tools in the Crusades

Section: Research Paper
Published
Jun 24, 2025
Pages
210-220

Abstract

The minority that seeks to rule a belligerent majority has no way to guarantee its existence other than to be stationed in relatively small numbers and in fortified places, whether cities or castles. Despite this, this means was not sufficient to establish control over the regions and cities of the Levant, to ensure communications and security, and to establish presence. The Crusaders' security in the Holy Lands is permanent and real and tangible. This is why the Crusaders worked to build huge and fortified cities, impregnable castles and defense lines. The Crusaders benefited from the art of war and military architecture in Western Europe. They also benefited from ancient forts and castles whose origins go back to the Byzantines or the Persians in the Levant. The fortified Crusader sites were like fixed military institutions, while the army was the moving element in them. The Crusader fortifications varied between small towers erected on the roads and giant castles, and it is a must for everyone who contemplates the location of those. Castles, their lofty buildings, and their fortified walls enable him to draw in his mind a picture of the brutal war events that took place around them. These castles and fortresses were not single facilities that existed alone at all, but rather they constituted a series of integrated military fortresses and fortifications interconnected between them, some of which existed from an era prior to those wars, and some of which were built during them. The Franks took full advantage of it, preserving their presence in this country.

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How to Cite

Abdulaziz, K., & خضر. (2025). Military equipment and siege tools in the Crusades. Adab Al-Rafidayn, 54(99), 210–220. https://doi.org/10.33899/radab.2024.146985.2085