Saracen Strongholds AD 630–1050

Download or read book Saracen Strongholds AD 630–1050 written by David Nicolle and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2012-11-20 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.