IMC 2016: Sessions

Session 615: The Organisation, Logistics, and Practice of War, 1050-1500, II: Dearth and Plenty

Tuesday 5 July 2016, 11.15-12.45

Organisers:	Alan V. Murray, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds Joanna Phillips, School of Law, University of Leeds
Moderator/Chair:	Joanna Phillips, School of Law, University of Leeds
Paper 615-a	'Jeo vous menrai a la rivere': Women, Water, and Warfare in the Roman de Thèbes and Early Chronicles of the First Crusade (Language: English) Sophie Harwood, Institute for Medieval Studies, University of Leeds Index terms: Crusades, Gender Studies, Language and Literature - Comparative, Women's Studies
Paper 615-b	The Crusades in the Balkans: Dearth amidst Plenty (Language: English) Jason T. Roche, Department of History, Politics & Philosophy, Manchester Metropolitan University Index terms: Crusades, Military History
Paper 615-c	On War, Food, and Crusades (Language: English) Judith Bronstein, Department of Land of Israel Studies, University of Haifa Index terms: Crusades, Military History
Abstract	The second in a series of linked sessions on the organisation, logistics from the 11th-15th centuries, this session will explore three aspects of dearth and provisioning in relation to crusading warfare. Sophie Harwood's paper will explore the relation between the depiction of the role of women as providers of water on the battle field in literary and crusading texts of the earlier twelfth century. Jason Roche's paper will investigate the specific supply issues encountered by crusaders travelling in the Balkan peninsula, noting that a discrepancy arises between chroniclers' reports of shortage, and the agricultural fertility of the region. Finally. Judith Bronstein's paper will discuss crusader military strategies which hinged on food supply: siege and blockage, plundering, and scorched earth.