In 1217, crusaders launched an ambitious campaign to conquer Egypt, believing it held the key to reclaiming Jerusalem and securing the Holy Land. Historian and author Thomas Smith tells Emily Briffett why the crusaders targeted Egypt, charts the dramatic naval assault that preceded the siege of Damietta, and explores how a promising campaign turned into one of the greatest missed opportunities in crusading history.

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GO BEYOND THE PODCAST

William Purkis reveals the wide and complex reality of crusading fervour in the Middle Ages – and considers how, if we look at it from a different perspective, we might gain a truer insight into the medieval mindset: https://bit.ly/4b7qQk0

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