Crusading in Livonia and Byzantine Romania Considered in a Comparative Review. Key Issues and Historiographical Notes

The article focuses on a topic that so far has not been studied in comparative approach. author addresses some basic problems of the research, focusing general and specific causes, course, consequences crusading actions lands Livonia Estonia – northeast, Romania southeast. Reconsidering already established models theses historical research Baltic campaigns, one hand, Third, Fourth, Fifth Crusades, other, formulates guidelines approaches for study ‘on edges’ late 12th early 13th centuries. analyzes several factors including role geographical climatic conditions, demographic expansion, papal policy, commercial maritime activity, Knightly orders campaigns under review. Furthermore, explores political social background question different interaction between colonization stratum local population Latin Empire Constantinople.