Maritime forces in the eastern Mediterranean basin during the Crusades until the end of the thirteenth century AD

Research Abstract

The maritime activity of the eastern Mediterranean countries was of great importance in the Crusades. In addition to the warships, the fleets played a major role in commercial activity. This period was dominated by the Ayyubid state and the Mamluk state, and the rulers of these countries took care of the fleet to achieve military and commercial objectives. From the military point of view: The crusades (first and second) were subjected to many dangers and disasters while taking the road. In the third Crusade, the army of Frederick Barbarossa was exposed to the many dangers that led to the elimination of most of his army. Therefore, the crusaders found that the safest way to reach the Levant is the sea route because it is the safest. The campaigns from the Third Crusade took the maritime route to reach the Levant, which linked them to their motherland in Western Europe. The seizure of coastal ports in the Levant required the Crusaders to have naval forces and fleets to defend them. The average time of the Crusades was extensive maritime activity, both by the Western fleets and especially by the Italian fleets that participated in the Crusades in a large role (Genoa-Pisa-Venice).

Research Keywords

Maritime forces in the eastern Mediterranean basin during the Crusades until the end of the thirteenth century AD