Frontier societies and crusading in the late middle ages
Norman Housley
There is general agreement amongst historians that during its 'classical period', crusading was influenced to only a limited degree by Christendom's frontier societies. The First Crusade had origin in the interaction between reforming papacy and warrior aristocracy concerned for own salvation, which occurred within heartlands of post-Carolingian Europe late eleventh century. vital job interpreting context Catholic theology accomplished early decades twelfth century, as one last great achievements traditional monastic scholarship, mainly northern France. Frontiersmen Spain, on Germany's eastern borders, lobbied with some vigour an extension their local conflicts Muslims pagans. Political confusion change Christians, both Catholics Orthodox, complemented rich if shifting patterns commercial political intercourse Christians Muslims.
Mediterranean Historical Review