Networks of Crusading: An Introductory Overview of Digital Resources for Research into People, Place and Space

Authors

Katy Mortimer, Royal Holloway, University of LondonFollow

Abstract

Recent years have seen a rise in new and exciting “digital humanities” projects, and the field of Crusades Studies is no exception. Indeed, researchers interested in the “traditional” crusading period (ca.1095 –ca.1291) have sought to reach broader audiences by working collaboratively to create various digital resources for furthering our knowledge and understanding of the crusades and the medieval world. In celebration of the inaugural volume of Medieval People, this article offers an introductory overview of crusades-related digital humanities projects which explore, highlight, and enhance our understanding of crusaders and their networks. It does so by first contextualizing the relevant historical and historiographical background, before discussing in detail four important resources created specifically as digital humanities projects. Two of those spotlighted are more traditionally prosopographical in nature, while the other two were selected to showcase the importance of utilizing a variety of different source types when examining networks of crusading. Overall, this article argues that resources such as these are important tools for research and teaching, and demonstrates the value of developing future crusades-related digital humanities projects.

Recommended Citation

Mortimer, Katy (2021) "Networks of Crusading: An Introductory Overview of Digital Resources for Research into People, Place and Space," Medieval People: Vol. 36: Iss. 1, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/medpros/vol36/iss1/14