Jerusalem Falls: Seven Centuries of War and Peace

About this book

Winner of the 2023 Verbruggen Prize for best book on medieval military history. The first full account of the medieval struggle for Jerusalem from the seventh to the thirteenth century The history of Jerusalem is one of conflict faith and empire. Few cities have been attacked as often and as savagely. This was no less true in the Middle Ages. From the Persian sack in 614 through the bloody First Crusade and beyond Jerusalem changed hands countless times. But despite these horrific acts of violence its story during this period is also one of interfaith tolerance and accord. In this gripping history John D. Hosler explores the great clashes and delicate settlements of medieval Jerusalem. He examines the citys many sieges and considers the experiences of its inhabitants of all faiths. The citys conquerors consistently acknowledged and reinforced the rights of those religious minorities over which they ruled. Deeply researched this account reveals the way in which Jerusalems past has been constructed on partial historiesand urges us to reckon with the citys broader historical contours.