Revision Topic Sheet 9: Crusader Settlement

Question 1

How were Syrian Franks different to Western Franks?

Answer 1

The poulains (Syrian Franks) maintained close contacts with their family of origin, which was important due to the low life expectancy at the time and how it was necessary to have a supply of heirs to carry on the inheritance. Also, despite being able to inherit and rule fiefs, women still required a husband to discharge their military duties.

Question 2

How could nobility and barons in the Latin East be divided?

Answer 2

Nobility could be divided into two classes: the elite and the knights. Barons with a senior position in the kingdom of Jerusalem could be divided into the Counts of Jaffa and Ascalon, the Princes of Galilee, the Lords of Sidon and Caesarea, and the Lord of Outrejourdain.

Question 3

What was the Frankish bourgeoisie like?

Answer 3

They were lower class pilgrims who had settled in the Holy Lands after mostly being foot soldiers in the Crusader armies. They were just below the knights in the social hierarchy, and mainly fulfilled the roles of merchants and artisans (skilled workers making things by hand). They also owed military service just as all Franks did.

Question 4

How were non-Franks treated in the Latin East?

Answer 4

• The non-Franks usually consisted of Syrian Christians and Muslims, who usually worked on agriculture in the countryside.
• Villages were separated by religion, with neither group having significant freedom and both groups having to pay a moderate poll tax while being able to practice their own religion, laws and customs.
• The Franks made sure not to oppress them to much as to not pressure them to emigrate since they needed the manpower and taxes they provided.
• While the Muslims were treated well, they had no political rights and in 1156 after the poll tax was quadrupled 8 Muslim villages emigrated to Damascus.

Question 5

What was the significance of the Italians?

Answer 5

They were mainly motivated by the economic opportunities opened up by the Crusades, with the fleets of the Genoese, Venetians and Pisans all providing fleets, which were necessary for trade and for battles. Historians J Richard and J Riley-Smith respectively argue that their significance was due to them profiting off transporting pilgrims to the Holy Lands and their stimulation of economic activity.

Examples of significant help from the Italians are:

1. The Genoese were significant for helping during the siege of Antioch (1097-1098).
2. The Pisans were significant for helping to influence the politics of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the second half of the 12th century.
3. The Venetians were significant for helping to capture the port of Tyre in exchange for 1/3 of loot gained.