Born of a mixture of religious fervour, military ardour and political will, the Crusades remain a fascinating and misunderstood aspect of medieval history.

Born amid immense suffering and bloodshed the Kingdom of Jerusalem remained a battlefield for almost 200 years. The Crusades raised to campaign for it gave rise to the Military Orders of the Templars and Hospitallers as well as numerous smaller orders, and were a backdrop to the careers of some of history's most famous leaders including Richard 'The Lionheart' and Saladin.

David Nicolle recounts the background and events of these fundamental campaigns that scarred the Late Medieval period.

Illustrated by: Richard Hook