Crusade: The Arising of a Concept Based on Portuguese Written Records of Three Military Campaigns (1147–1217)

The historiography of the crusade and reconquest in Iberian Peninsula, Portugal particular, dates from beginning twentieth century. Since 1920s, it has been assumed that was an output West due to so-called “Bull Crusade” given Portugal. “idea enhanced by Carl Erdmann 1930s 1940s. This interpretation endorsed very context which Kingdom emerged developed throughout twelfth thirteenth centuries. From 1980s onwards, launching systematic research on military orders also reinforced this perspective. deep affinity between crusades is reflected historiography. These concepts—military orders, crusade, reconquest—have studied without distinction being made them, adding complexity analysis. Considering historiographical achievements regarding pertinent rethink associations reconquest, orders. Reading certain historical narratives crucial for analysis, although written records do not fully deplete subject. To reinforce relevance approach, we will consider royal pontifical diplomas. Tracing terminology used these documents identifying how realities were referred are two main goals paper. For purpose, three key moments Portuguese have chosen: conquests Lisbon (1147), Silves (1189), Alcácer Sal (1217). one feature common: presence crusaders travelling Holy Land, supports terminological analysis those discourses. Different perspectives embodied conquest when compared with papal diplomas same issue a similar chronology. Historiography Reconquest, often conditioned ideology, occasionally revealing tendency repeat ideas debating them. paper’s based aforementioned undertaken order verify word crusade/crusader appeared Portugal, assess what extent war territory followed example holy evaluate commitment crown See complex process.