Reconquest and Crusade in Medieval Spain

Drawing from both Christian and Islamic sources, Reconquest and Crusade in Medieval Spain demonstrates that the clash of arms between Christians and Muslims in the Iberian peninsula, which began in the early eighth century, was transformed into a crusade by the papacy during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Successive popes accorded to Christian warriors willing to participate in the peninsular wars against Islam the same crusading benefits offered to those going to the Holy Land. Joseph F. O'Callaghan clearly demonstrates that any study of the history of the crusades must take a broader view of the Mediterranean to include medieval Spain.

Key Features and Structure:

• Chronological Overview:
  O'Callaghan provides a chronological overview of crusading in the Iberian peninsula from the late eleventh to the middle of the thirteenth century.
• In-depth Study:
  The book delves into topics such as:
  • Warfare
  • Military finance
  • The liturgy of reconquest and crusading
• Conclusion:
  O'Callaghan concludes with a consideration of the later stages of reconquest and crusade, up to and including the fall of Granada in 1492. He also notes that the spiritual benefits of crusading bulls were still offered to the Spanish until the Second Vatican Council of 1963.

Timeless Relevance:

Although the conflict described in this book occurred more than eight hundred years ago, recent events remind the world that the intensity of belief, rhetoric, and action that gave birth to crusade, holy war, and jihad remains a powerful force in the twenty-first century.