Interludes of Peace in the Medieval Latin East : Perceptions and Practices

Interludes of Peace in the Medieval Latin East undertakes a multifaceted examination of peacemaking processes as they unfolded in the medieval Latin East. Perhaps less heroic than war, these peacemaking endeavors make a significant contribution to our understanding of life in the medieval Middle East during the Crusades. This book considers how ceasefires, truces, and peace treaties were achieved through a process of mutual acculturation between Crusaders and local Muslim societies and the mechanisms employed to overcome both cultural and religious divides. Notwithstanding these warring societies’ differing concepts of lasting peace, this did not prevent them from engaging in treaty-making during the twocentury-long conflict in the Latin East. The story told here is of the quest for “small,” realistic peace, however fragile and temporary. In the process, a shared language of gestures, body language, and gift-giving was created that enabled and enhanced trust and coexistence. However, global political changes, economic developments, and new trade routes ultimately ended European rule in the medieval Middle East.