The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century
An investigation into how Antioch maintained itself as an independent principality during a period of considerable challenges.


Situated in northern Syria, on the eastern-most frontier of Latin Christendom, the principality of Antioch was a medieval polity bordered by a host of rival powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Armenian Christians of Cilicia, the rulers of the neighbouring Islamic world and even the other crusader states, the kingdom of Jerusalem and the counties of Edessa and Tripoli. Coupled with the numerous Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities who populated the region, Antioch's Frankish settlers - initially installed into power by the military successes of the First Crusade - thus faced numerous challenges to their survival.

This book examines how the ruling elites of the principality sought to manage these competing interests in order to maintain Antioch's existence during the troubled twelfth century, particularly following the death of Prince Bohemond II in 1130. His demise helped to spark renewed interest from Byzantium and the kingdom of Jerusalem, and came at a time of both Islamic resurgence under the Zengids of Aleppo and Mosul, as well as Armenian power growth under the Rupenids. An examination of Antioch's diplomatic and military endeavours, its internal power structures and its interaction with indigenous peoples can therefore help to reveal a great deal about how medieval Latins adapted to the demands of their frontiers.
1124594907
The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century
An investigation into how Antioch maintained itself as an independent principality during a period of considerable challenges.


Situated in northern Syria, on the eastern-most frontier of Latin Christendom, the principality of Antioch was a medieval polity bordered by a host of rival powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Armenian Christians of Cilicia, the rulers of the neighbouring Islamic world and even the other crusader states, the kingdom of Jerusalem and the counties of Edessa and Tripoli. Coupled with the numerous Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities who populated the region, Antioch's Frankish settlers - initially installed into power by the military successes of the First Crusade - thus faced numerous challenges to their survival.

This book examines how the ruling elites of the principality sought to manage these competing interests in order to maintain Antioch's existence during the troubled twelfth century, particularly following the death of Prince Bohemond II in 1130. His demise helped to spark renewed interest from Byzantium and the kingdom of Jerusalem, and came at a time of both Islamic resurgence under the Zengids of Aleppo and Mosul, as well as Armenian power growth under the Rupenids. An examination of Antioch's diplomatic and military endeavours, its internal power structures and its interaction with indigenous peoples can therefore help to reveal a great deal about how medieval Latins adapted to the demands of their frontiers.
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The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century

The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century

by Andrew D Buck
The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century

The Principality of Antioch and its Frontiers in the Twelfth Century

by Andrew D Buck

Paperback

$38.95 
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Overview

An investigation into how Antioch maintained itself as an independent principality during a period of considerable challenges.


Situated in northern Syria, on the eastern-most frontier of Latin Christendom, the principality of Antioch was a medieval polity bordered by a host of rival powers, including the Byzantine Empire, the Armenian Christians of Cilicia, the rulers of the neighbouring Islamic world and even the other crusader states, the kingdom of Jerusalem and the counties of Edessa and Tripoli. Coupled with the numerous Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities who populated the region, Antioch's Frankish settlers - initially installed into power by the military successes of the First Crusade - thus faced numerous challenges to their survival.

This book examines how the ruling elites of the principality sought to manage these competing interests in order to maintain Antioch's existence during the troubled twelfth century, particularly following the death of Prince Bohemond II in 1130. His demise helped to spark renewed interest from Byzantium and the kingdom of Jerusalem, and came at a time of both Islamic resurgence under the Zengids of Aleppo and Mosul, as well as Armenian power growth under the Rupenids. An examination of Antioch's diplomatic and military endeavours, its internal power structures and its interaction with indigenous peoples can therefore help to reveal a great deal about how medieval Latins adapted to the demands of their frontiers.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781837652549
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer, Limited
Publication date: 03/04/2025
Pages: 296
Product dimensions: 6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

ANDREW D. BUCK is Senior Lecturer in Medieval History at Cardiff Universityand a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1. The Extent of the Principality
2. The Rulers of Antioch
3. Central Governance and Military Service
4. Lordship in the Principality
5. A Frontier Society? The Nature of Inter-Cultural Relations
6. Relations with Byzantium
7. Antioch and the Latin East

Conclusion
Bibliography
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