Author -
David Nicolle
Illustrator -
Christa Hook
Unlike their sometime rivals the Templars, the Order of St John of the Hospital of Jerusalem (or the Hospitallers as they are better known) was not created as a result of the First Crusade in 1099. It already existed, having been established by a group of Italian merchants from Amalfi in the mid-11th century as part of a widespread charitable movement to help pilgrims: however, the way in which the Order then evolved from a charitable organisation into one of the most effective fighting forces of the Middle Ages was a consequence of the crusading movement. In the process the Hospitallers became recognised experts in the military capabilities of opposing Islamic armies. In contrast, the Hospitaller presence in Western Europe was largely non-military, with the major exception of their role in the Iberian peninsula, where they took a leading part in the Spanish Reconquista. This book examines the lifestyle, experiences and military role of the Hospitaller knight, and covers the period from the foundation of the order to the invasion of the Byzantine island of Rhodes in 1306. It takes a close look at the individual Hospitaller 'warrior monk' - his recruitment, motivation, duties, weaponry, armour and dress - and also looks at the Order's overall role in the cultural, political and economic development of the Christian Empire.
Contents
- Introduction - 'Warrior Monks'
- Chronology
- Origins and Militarisation of the Hospitallers
- Recruitment
- Organisation and Structure
- Ranks and hierarchy
- Motivation and Morale
- Costume, Weapons and Harness
- Uniform
- Arms
- Training, Strategy and Tactics
- Support Services
- Everyday Life
- Colour Plate Commentary
- Collections and Major Related Sites
- Archives and Museums
- Main Middle Eastern Castles
- Bibliography
- Glossary
