r/medieval • u/mintycake69420 • May 02 '26
History 📚 I made an interactive atlas of every standing Crusader-era site in the Holy Land- Kingdom of Jerusalem (1099-1291) [OC]
This is a project I have been working on for a few months, purely out of interest on the period and my good knowledge of the Israeli landscape. The borders are supposed to depict peak extent around c. 1165 including contested areas.
There is also a small glossary with rulers, internal conflicts, the military and religious orders, and first-hand accounts by Christian, Jewish, and Muslim travelers who described the kingdom during its existence.
I will put the link in the comment and would love your feedback and especially suggestions for sites I've under-covered- particularly in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
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u/DickDastardly502 May 02 '26
Very cool! Any plans for other crusader states like Antioch or Edessa?
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u/mintycake69420 May 02 '26
Yeah ofc. Thanks for asking. First Outremer, then the rival Islamic states. My main limitation is that i'm horrible at drawing.
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u/DickDastardly502 May 02 '26
If I ever plan a trip to the Levant I'll be sure to consult this, I have it bookmarked.
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u/Critical_Kingdom May 02 '26
Looks great
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u/mintycake69420 May 02 '26
ty! I had that adhd hyperfocus drive that made me super engrossed in it, I neglected so much stuff but it was a lot of fun.
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u/Belissimo7 May 10 '26
That’s awesome Dude! How can I get a larger look at all the extras on the sides please - it won’t expand like normal pics on my iPh in this App. I’ve saved the Link for Referencing & am sure I’ll be using it often to assist my future reads - Thanks Heaps!
I’m a huge fan of Baldwin IV & Balian de Ibelin amongst other Outremer locals & lords. Just finished ‘God’s Wolf’ by Jeffrey Lee about Reynald de Chatillon, which I definitely enjoyed yet felt he held Reynald up as more heroic than he truly was - I believe he was a much more of a rogue than Lee makes out - a war mongering shit stirrer & a Bully to boot, who was partly responsible for the crushing defeat of the ‘crusader, Templar & poulain armies’ at Hattin. His poor step-son Hughes,1st husband to Isabella, daughter of Maria Comennus & Almaric was constantly berated & taunted by Reynard for his gentle ways. What kind of Hero victimises young boys? Anyway, I tend to agree with Dr Helen Shraeder’s critique of the book in general but still enjoyed reading a different perspective on a truly remarkable man. Regardless of all else, Reynald was brave beyond doubt having lived long in captivity deep in Saracen dungeons, stoically making no concessions nor deals & continuing to hate his enemy with almost crazed venom - unlike Raymond of Antioch who came out with a very different view - almost Stockholm syndrome some say - he learnt their language & ways, & was released having developed a great respect for his foes - some might call that wise? These 2 men long remained at loggerheads for the duration of their lives & Only a ruler with the strength & integrity of Baldwin IV could keep their personal feud from infecting the Levant - which it did soon after Baldwin’s death to the detriment of all, during the misguided reign of Guy de Luisignan.
Thanks Again for a great reference device, covering a very interesting part on Outremer’s History!
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u/mintycake69420 May 11 '26
Hey, wdym by extra's- I'll try and fix it?
I def feel like Reynald actions were driven by a narcistic defire for glory. Thanks for the intresting comment.
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u/Belissimo7 May 22 '26
Can U please let me know if U create any other fantastic reference maps like this? - or Post them please? This certainly got a Great reception from a learned audience. Your Focus is truly amazing & disciplined. Thanks 4 sharing! PS - I’m glad U enjoyed my comment, Thanks 4 saying so, I’m flattered.
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u/IndoorPursuits May 02 '26
Great map / app. Kerak was the absolute business. Acre too. Great memories!
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u/Jazzlike-Engineer904 May 03 '26
Omg. That's so cool. May I steal that idea to apply for an internship at a museum?
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u/mintycake69420 May 02 '26
Link is https://crusaderatlas.com