Outremer
A NATION TO PROTECT PILGRIMS AND THE SPICE TRADE
Outremer was the attempt to control the lands of spiritual pilgrimage and sea ports used by the merchants involved in the spice trade. The various kingdoms were dependent upon foreign aid, as not enough of the European knights had settled in the various kingdoms to defend them from concerted attack. While control of Jerusalem was the rallying cry of both sides in the war, it was Antioch with its huge walls, position on the spice trade and deep sea port that was the real prize of the crusaders. |
Regional Histories |