Crusader Archaeology at the Crossroads of the 21st Century

Summary

Crusader Archaeology at the beginning of the 21st century occupies a somewhat strange position. While certain aspects of the field are at the forefront of interdisciplinary approaches to archaeological evidence, others remain focused on basic issues of identification, categorization, and preservation. In part this is due to the nature of the field itself. In addition, some studies can only focus on preserving a particular monument from further decay before moving on to the next one. The port city of Famagusta is a case in point. Meanwhile, in other cases, international and interdisciplinary teams have been able to complete thorough studies of monuments that can serve as models for future projects. The same trends apply to our knowledge of other aspects of Crusader archaeology ranging in scale from pottery to site types. In terms of theory, the issue of identity and cultural contact remain a strong focus in many countries, and we continue to grow in our understanding of this complex field. All the while, the current political situation in many of the relevant countries continues to present both challenges, but also reminders of the ways in which medieval archaeology can have a special relevance for our world today.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• North and South: New Directions in Medieval European Archaeology

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