Revision Topic Sheet 8: Crusader Feudalism

Question 1

How do historians disagree over the process of feudalisation of the Latin East?

Answer 1

J Riley-Smith argues for planned feudalisation and settlement while J Prawer argues for a more chaotic and unplanned process of feudalisation and settlement.

Question 2

What was the motivation for the creation of the individual states in the Latin East?

Answer 2

Raymond of St Gilles and Godfrey of Bouillon were motivated by a desire to defend the Holy Lands for pilgrims rather than a desire for material goods. Bohemond of Taranto and Baldwin of Boulogne were motivated by a desire to inherit land due to having little inheritance in the west.

Question 3

How do historians disagree over the administration and jurisdiction in the Latin East?

Answer 3

1. H Mayer argues that the crusaders imposed their own forms of administration based on western ideas. This included removing the Muslim units of administration: the latifundia, which made villages the basic unit of administration under the leadership of the ra’is, who maintained law and order and collected tax from the Muslims.
2. J Riley-Smith and J Richard argue that the crusaders simply superimposed their own ideas into the existing Muslim administrative structure. This includes segregating the judicial system into three courts: Syrian, Bourgeoisie, and High. The Syrian court administered local laws under the ra’is, the Beourgeoisie court was for the Frankish middle class, and the High Court was for nobility.

Question 4

How do historians disagree over the overall significance of feudalism in the Latin East?

Answer 4

1. J Prawer argues that fiefs completely owned the land and owed only limited money and services to his overlord.
2. H Mayer argues that the Latin East was an ideal feudal state with strong nobility and a weak monarchy as evidenced by the king being strong during the initial period of conquest.
3. J Riley-Smith argues that feudalisation was planned by the princes and cites the actions of Godfrey of Bouillon who expanded his influence by deliberately granting fiefs.

Question 5

How was the king able to control his vassals and maintain his presence in the Latin East?

Answer 5

He used his control over the ports of Acre and Tyre to gain a financial advantage over his vassals through their control of the trade entering and exiting the Latin East, allowing him to buy additional mercenaries whenever they were needed in a time of crisis.