HOSTAGES DURING THE FIRST CENTURY OF THE CRUSADES
Adam J. Kosto
Abstract The use of hostages as a means guarantee was most common in the medieval period diplomatic and military encounters. Crusades offer an excellent opportunity to study this institution context intercultural relations conflict. After briefly considering precedent traditions Western Europe, Byzantium, Islamic world, article examines various specific functions served: guarantors short-term agreements, such those for safe passage or end siege, longer-term undertakings, treaties, alliances, promises ransom. siege Acre brings together many these single episode. closes by addressing two questions: effectiveness surety; role cultural difference determining outcome hostage transactions how they were viewed contemporaries.
Medieval Encounters