Martyrs on the Field of Battle before and during the First Crusade
Colin Morris
The First Crusade was an important episode in the history of martyrdom. While some crusaders were martyrs old style, giving up their lives rather than renounce Christ, expedition established consciousness Western Europeans idea a new route to status martyr, which could be earned by those who fell battle against unbeliever, righting for Christ and his people. From this time onwards crusading preachers regularly offered stole martyrdom served Palestine, Spain, elsewhere, war Muslims. It is not surprising that recent historians, particular Jonathan Riley-Smith, John Cowdrey, Jean Flori, have given close attention establishment model martyr closing years eleventh century. may seem there little more add on subject, but development so significant context our present conference it worth while return well-trodden battlefield. What I want do paper examine foundation style thinking earlier centuries, then look once at its impact upon early stages itself.
Studies in Church History