A detailed study of the Teutonic Knights in the Holy Land, covering both their military and administrative affairs. The Teutonic Order was founded in 1190 to provide medical care for crusaders in the kingdom of Jerusalem. In time, it assumed a military role and played an important part in the defence of the Christian territories in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Baltic regions of Prussia and Livonia; in the Levant, it fought against the neighbouring Islamic powers, whilst managing their turbulent relations with their patrons in the papacy and the German Empire. As the Order grew, it colonised territories in Prussia and Livonia, forcing it to address how it distributed its resources between its geographically-spread communities. Similarly, the brethren also needed to develop an organisational framework that could support the conduct of war on frontiers that were divided by hundreds of miles. This book - the first comprehensive analysis of the Order in the Holy Land - explores the formative years of this powerful international institution and places its deeds in the Levant within the context of the wider Christian, pagan and Islamic world. It examines the challenges that shaped its identity and the masters who planned its policies. Dr NICHOLAS MORTON is Lecturer in Medieval History at Swansea University.

An extremely impressive study offering a number of new insights. [Its] thoroughness is impressive. The appendices, which list masters, properties, crops, marshals, and grand commanders, are especially helpful. Grounded in the sources and informed by perceptive analysis, this is a rare work that delivers everything that its title promises. For students of the military orders, it is an extremely valuable contribution.'

Source: Speculum

Morton is a sure-footed and reliable guide. His grasp of the issues is sound and his familiarity with both sources and bibliography hard to fault. [...] Well-organised, comprehensive and judicious, Morton's book is a welcome addition to the literature on the military orders.'

Source: Journal of Ecclesiastical History

A very useful guide to the politics of the kingdom of Jerusalem in the thirteenth century, [which] will fill gaps in many a reading list.'

Source: English Historical Review