franco

just wondering peoples views on womens role druing the crusades?

Melisende

Any particular crusade .... any particular women ... or just in general.

Melisende

Define roles - are you referring to womens' roles as rulers, combatants, civilians, defenders .....

Jlaymon2

During the first crusade the women and children made the journey to Constantinople and in many accounts actually took up arms.

After all in the words of Pope Urban "You shall be sanctified in the fire of combat" nearly every original crusader took this literally. Even the women and children.

Melisende

Not just in the First Crusades - there are sources for women in battle at the fall of Acre.

Thought to be honest, I don't think the role of women during the Crusades was any different from any role undertaken elsewhere. Religion played an important role in attracting "pilgrims" - which is what they were actually called - not Crusaders - or maybe that should read religious fervour.

But the role of women was one of: mother, wife, ruler, regent, monarch - pretty much the same worldwide. Did they take up arms - yes - as did women elsewhere.

Sv78

Women were known to take up arms during the Crusade. Not back in Europe however, but on a crusade it was seen as an act of faith and accepted.

During the medieval period proffesional armys ceased to exist, so men would take their wives who would cook and dress their wounds. (Made armies slow and erratic on occasions)

Melisende

Isabella of Castile led her armies on the battlefield.

And there are many numerous examples of women taking up arms - though not specifically on a "European Crusade".