Crusader Swords
Beginning in 1095, the Crusades are a hallmark of the Middle Ages, a historical representation of the significant interplay between religion and power during the time period. As a case study for this exhibit, the Crusades provide a powerful example of power and prestige in the Middle Ages, linking the two previous sections of production and technology with the swords various forms of functionality. With improved production and technology, in both the creation of the sword and its decoration, these Crusader swords are intriguing pieces of history, representing both warring and ceremonial functions. Furthermore, the swords from the Crusades present tantalizing evidence to the significance of religion as a symbol of power and prestige in both an Islamic and Christian context. Moreover, the Crusades not only witnessed the clash of soldiers, it also saw the clash of religions and cultures.
Furthermore, this section briefly explores the Eastern influence the Crusades had on European weaponry and the theme of power and prestige. To explore, first, we begin with a early 16th-century Islamic scimitar, followed by two Christian Crusader swords (one common, one unique). The swords in this section were chosen to illustrate the comparison and contrast of Islamic and Christian swords during the Crusades.