Thomas Smith: the Fifth Crusade

Thomas Smith, author of The Fifth Crusade tells the gripping story of the crusade for Egypt.

Looking at a wide range of Christian and Muslim sources, he sheds new light on the brutal reality of medieval combat on land and water.

We see a dramatic beach landing, the invention of a unique floating siege engine, and the conquest of the crucial port city of Damietta-one of the most famous and successful sieges of the crusades.

Thomas provides fresh insights into strategy, showing how, despite early victories, foolish decision making meant that the crusaders ultimately snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

In conversation with John Jefferies