A Preliminary Study On Women In The Crusades

In the medievalera,the Crusade has always been with a great reputation under the banner of‘male career'in the world,but we may not imagine that women were also involved in this Holy War more or less.During the Crusades,historians whether Christian or Muslim narrated the fact that women had joined the army.Based on the abundant sources,the author sorted out and analyzed the fragments with multi-angle and deep level about women to reveal the army women's true image.To be fair and objective,this study tries to develop correct thinking ways and logical speculative abilities of history,meanwhile,it will provide an exploratory attempt and suggestions on the history of women in Western Europe.Women in the Crusades were mostly from Frank,including nobles,commoners and slaves.Because of religion,economy and family factors,they participated in the pilgrimages,and made different influences with a variety of statues and roles when the crusades conquered with Muslims.The Popes' attitudes towards women were always changing,from prohibition to recognition,it fully demonstrated the values and contributions of women to the Crusades.During the march,women were mainly responsible for the daily washing and cleaning,besides these,they also helped to build siege towers,guarded the camp and conveyed the necessities.Whether there was a woman warrior is a controversial topic.Although there is no clear record in Christian narrations,but the contemporary Muslim historians preserved the sources about the Western women warriors.Additionally,the Latin Kingdoms on the east Mediterranean coast gave female heirs more and more liberal rights than contemporary western women,including the enlargement of the autonomy of marriage and the priority of the inheritance right.Undoubtedly,this relaxed legal attitude is related to the special background of that times,but indeed it is the product of the social progress in Europe.Overall,the women in the Crusades are victims of the war.They had to face the threat of hunger,disease and being massacred,more seriously,once have been captured,women would bear double tortures,both mental and physical.Those who have been ransomed from the enemy in fact were still unfortunately,whether Christian or Muslim world treat them without a genuine tolerance.Although there were some women get rid of the unfortunate fates after been ransomed,but how to assimilate into a new life is still a problem that need the vast majority of women captives to solve.