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Crusades Help!!!!!!!!!

In What Ways Were Castles Important To The Defence Of The Latin East?

I know there were major castles like Kerak, Saone and Krak des Chevaliers. But what other ways did they aid in the defence of the Crusader states (up until Hattin)?
JMF101
In What Ways Were Castles Important To The Defence Of The Latin East?

I know there were major castles like Kerak, Saone and Krak des Chevaliers. But what other ways did they aid in the defence of the Crusader states (up until Hattin)?


Writing without notes and its been a while...

First, bare in mind the particular nature of warfare in Outremer: it is fast, almost nomadic. There are numerous occassions when an attacking muslim force simply by-passed major castles and because the nature of the landscape- requireing you to move from water to water- some tactically important castles could be by-passed as they were not close enough to water (amongst other things).

Nonetheless, castles were important for two main reasons: the first is the same for every castle in Europe. They provided a point of reinforcement and counter-offensive. Very rarely did defenders simply sit in their fortress and wait to be besieged (or by-passed) but instead sallied out, attacking the larger attacking force at its point of supply/communication/weakness or providing recon etc. It can be quite difficult for an invading force to by-pass a major castle as it inevitably means its defenders will make life hard for them. However, because of the terrain and the very fast movement of muslim forces it was frequently quite hard to catch (unless the castle had a force of muslim mercenaries and turcapoles who could fight in the same way as the muslims- check out templar castle expenditure for proof of this). Nonetheless, the castle network also provided a point of reinforcment and resupply for a larger crusader state army (whether in counter-attacking a muslim attack or attacking muslim lands).
Another way in which castles and fortresses were useful to the crusader states was through the protestion of pilgrims. Pilgimage was crucial to the survival of the crusader states. It was an aid to the economy, as pilgrims inevitably spend money. In addition, a proportion of the pilgrims did not return to europe, but instead settled in the Holy land. This was extremely useful because Europeans were always a minority in the crusader states and, therefore, thier recruitment potential was deminished (not including foreign or should I say muslim mercenaries who were employed by the bucket load by the crusader states). Thus, by protecting pilgrims who marched under escort (Templar or Hospitaller) from fortress to fortress, the castles aided in the Crusader states economy, which meant that they could hire more mercenaries when necessary (and it frequently was) and those who settled had use as potential recruits/tax payers/labourers etc.

Thats all I can think of at present. Try and look up all this stuff to get some detail. If I have the time I might consult some of my notes and then get back to you.
I hope this has at least been some help.
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JMF101
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@ historians drink free

Thanks, that's great!

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