Saracen Strongholds AD 630-1050: The Middle East and Central Asia

by David Nicolle, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

Overview

The Islamic world drew upon a myriad of pre-existing styles of fortification, taking Romano-Byzantine, Indian and Chinese ideas to create a highly effective and sophisticated hybrid fortification that was both new and distinctive. This book examines early Saracen fortifications, covering their historical background, socio-political circumstances, and their role in protecting industry, trade and the frontiers of the Islamic world. From the mayyad 'castles in the desert' of Jordan and Syria to the 'Round City of Baghdad' and the great gates of Cairo, this book provides an insight into the majesty of the Saracen forts, illustrated with specially commissioned artwork and cutaways, together with photographs of period engravings and images of the sites today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782007111
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	11/20/2012
Series:	Fortress , #76
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

David Nicolle was born in 1944 and worked for the BBC, including the overseas broadcasting service, before returning to university, obtaining his PhD in Edinburgh. He subsequently taught at Yarmouk University in Jordan. He now devotes himself to writing, and is a specialist in medieval arms and armour. He is also a frequent contributor to numerous specialist journals and international conferences.

Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, several 19th century American subjects, and a number of books in the Fortress series. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.
David Nicolle is Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Medieval Studies, Nottingham University. He is the author of numerous books on aspects of medieval military history, including many for Osprey.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and the history of fortification. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Introduction     4
The historical context
Design and Development     12
The early Caliphate and the Umayyad Empire
The 'Abbasid golden age Fragmentation and fortification
The Living Sites     40
The fortified cities
The Sites at War     48
Offensive bases
Castles under siege
Cities under siege and civil conflict
Aftermath     57
The Sites Today     59
Bibliography     61
Glossary     63
Index     64

Editorial Reviews

As the Islamic Empire expanded, it drew upon a variety of earlier fortification styles: Romano-Byzantine, Indian and even Chinese. This book explains how these different themes were combined in Islamic fortifications... The book is authoritatively written and well illustrated.” —Bolling Smith, Coast Defense Journal (September 2008)

“The Islamic world drew upon a myriad of pre-existing styles of fortication that was both new and distinctive. This book examines early Saracen fortifications, covering their historical background, socio-political circumstances, and their role in protecting the Islamic world.” —Game Trade Magazine (April 2008)

“The book details some of the best examples of Islamic military architecture in the Middle East...Of course, if you are looking for a good description of one of these sites or even a regional description, the book can be a useful resource.” —David Nicolle, FORTRESS 76 (July 2008)

“It is worth your time to pick up 'Saracen Strongholds' and I hope to check out some of the other 'Fortress' titles in the near future.” —Trask, livingdice.com (April 2009)

“... In this book, author David Nicholle covers the methods of construction as well as the major parts of [the] fortresses ... To help us visualize what some of these may have been like, Adam Hook has provided superlative illustrations of not only the physical layout, but also some of the action that took place at these locales ... Overall, another fine book in this series.” —Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (September 2008)

From the Publisher