Drawing on painstaking original research and an intimate knowledge of the Near East, Thomas Asbridge uncovers what drove Muslims and Christians alike to embrace the ideals of "jihad" and crusade, revealing how these holy wars reshaped the medieval world and why they continue to influence events today.

Originally published in Great Britain in 2010 by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd. First published in Great Britain in 2010 by Simon & Schuster UK Ltd. Includes maps of: Western Europe and the Mediterranean; Near and Middle East; Northern Syria; Palestine and Southern Lebanon; Egypt; First Crusaders' Route to the Holy Land; City of Antioch; City of Jerusalem; Crusader States in the Early Twelfth Century; Saladin's Hattin Campaign; Siege of Acre during the Third Crusade; Richard the Lionheart's March from Acre to Jaffa; Third Crusade: Paths to Jerusalem; Crusdaer States in the Early Thirteenth Century; Nile Delta; Mamluks and Mongols in 1260.

The Coming of the Crusades. Holy war, holy land -- Syrian ordeals -- The sacred city -- Creating the crusader states -- Outremer -- Crusading reborn. -- The Response of Islam. Muslim revival -- The light of faith -- The wealth of Egypt -- Heir or usurper -- The Sultan of Islam -- Holy warrior. -- The Trial of Champions. Called to crusade -- The conqueror challenged -- The coming of kings -- Lionheart -- Jerusalem -- Resolution. -- The Struggle for Survival. Rejuvenation -- New paths -- A saint at war. -- Victory in the East. Lion of Egypt -- The Holy Land reclaimed -- Legacy of the crusades.