14th Century Crusader

Product History

The Crusades were a series of military expeditions (11th-14th century) to secure Christian rule over Muslim-controlled holy places in Palestine. In 1099 the Crusades captured Jerusalem and massacred its inhabitants, establishing a kingdom there under Godfrey of Bouillon. All, except the peaceful Sixth Crusade (1228-9), were marred by greed and brutality: rabble armies on their way to the holy land slaughtering Jews and Christians in Europe. The Crusades attracted such leaders as Richard I (The Lion Heart) and Louis IX, greatly affected European chivalry as well as deepening the hostility between Christianity and Islam.

This Crusader is wearing a surcoat, that may have been made of silk, with a lion (rampant) upon it. This is worn over a mail, long sleeved, hauberk. On his head he has a mail coif that would have been worn under a great helm. He is armed with a large sword of war and may also have had a dagger and shield.