Powerful Women of Outremer

In the mild climate of the Mediterranean, a rare blossom once bloomed: aprosperous, urbanised society inhabited by various ethnic and religious groups livingharmoniously together for nearly two-hundred years. At the apex of this society, ruleda feudal elite notorious for its wealth and love of luxury. It was composed of politicallysavvy, diplomatically adept, well-educated and multilingual men - and women. These women played an astonishing and indispensable role in shaping the characterof their unique society. They were ruling queens, independent barons, nuns andpilgrims. They were merchants and artisans, diplomats and spies. They werewarriors defending besieged cities and the most pitiful victims of conflict as slavesafter a defeat. While many primary sources readily recorded specific and noteworthy actions takenby individual women, there is no comprehensive or systematic description ofwomen's contribution to the life and society of Outremer. All we have are fragmentsof a mosaic badly damaged by time. Yet even these remnants have largely beenneglected due to the prevailing emphasis on the era's military history. The Powerful Women of Outremerredresses that imbalance. In a chronologicalnarrative, women's contributions to the crusader states are highlighted. The bookthen explores women's societal role in thematic chapters. Finally, a series of shortbiographies shine a light on the lives of individual women. By piecing together thescattered remnants of the historical mosaic, The Powerful Women of Outremer offersreaders a clearer understanding of the importance of women to the history of theNear East and a richer picture of the women themselves.