Episode Summary: Helen J. Nicholson, "Women and the Crusades" (Oxford UP, 2023)

Main Theme

This episode features Professor Helen J. Nicholson discussing her latest book, Women and the Crusades, with host Morteza Hajizadeh. The episode explores the varied and critical roles women played during the crusading period, spanning the First Crusade through the 16th century, challenging traditional narratives that often marginalize or ignore women's contributions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Genesis and Scope of the Book

• Helen’s Background and Motivation
  • Nicholson is a Professor of Medieval History at Cardiff University, with expertise in the Crusades and military orders. She became interested in the topic as a teenager after noticing women were almost invisible in secondary histories, despite their frequent mention in primary sources.
  • Quote [02:49]:

    "When I first started reading about the Crusades as a teenager, I discovered there was very little reference in the secondary literature to women. But when I looked at the primary sources... there were women there."

  • The book covers women from pre-First Crusade to the 16th century, using a wide geographical lens—Europe, the Middle East, and even brief mentions of Ethiopia and Mexico.

2. Women’s (Supposed) Absence and Actual Presence

• Marginalization in Historiography
  • Women are often overlooked because of translation biases and the assumptions of later historians, not because they were entirely absent from events.
  • Quote [03:33]:

    "Once you start looking, there are women everywhere... not necessarily at the front line, but there's all sorts of background work which needs to be done. No army can operate without its support forces."

3. Barriers and Access to Political and Crusading Roles

• Legal and Practical Challenges ([05:31])
  • Laws varied: In some areas of Europe, women could inherit and administer land; in others, they could not.
  • Legal theory often did not match reality—a noblewoman like Nicola de la Haye could defend Lincoln Castle for years, defying both social expectation and legal statute.
  • Attitudes towards women on crusade were mixed: Some religious writers objected to women’s presence, while others saw value in wives accompanying their husbands.
  • Socio-economic factors limited participation—noblewomen could travel; poorer women rarely could.
• Practical Difficulties
  • Health challenges (pregnancy, lack of medical care, dangers of childbirth), financial constraints, social and religious norms (e.g., monthly bleeding as a spiritual problem).

4. Motivations and Agency: Encouragement or Prevention?

• Women as Encouragers & Dissuaders ([10:06])
  • Popular anecdotes exist of women trying to prevent husbands and sons from crusading, but many women encouraged participation for spiritual or family honor.
  • Quote [11:45]:

    "There were many women who did encourage their menfolk to go on crusade... and wanted to go themselves, but they couldn't because of the 'weakness of their sex.' In fact, many women did go."

  • Example: Queen Blanche of France tried to dissuade her son, Louis IX, but eventually supported him. Isabella of Castile is described as the "spiritual leader" behind Ferdinand’s campaigns, actively encouraging holy war.

5. Elite and Holy Women’s Roles

• Political and Spiritual Leadership ([13:10])
  • Matilda of Canossa: Tapped by Pope Gregory VII to lead a military expedition.
  • Birgitta of Sweden: Noblewoman and vision-driven saint who urged monarchs to crusade, despite not fitting the virgin/ascetic saint stereotype.
  • Catherine of Siena and Joan of Arc: Non-noble and “outsider” influencers advocating crusading ideals, often linking spiritual reform with holy war.

6. The Main Roles of Women in Crusading

• Three Categories: Accompaniment, Caregiving, Diplomacy ([19:06])
  • Accompanying Husbands: Sometimes out of duty, sometimes due to lack of choice, and sometimes to enable new dynasties or support logistical needs.
    • Example: Richard the Lionheart was accompanied by his wives and sister, both for personal and diplomatic reasons.
  • Diplomacy: Women frequently engaged in negotiations, acted as mediators, and were drawn into political marriages or alliances (e.g., plans for Joanna to marry Saladin's brother).
    • Quote [21:50]:

      "Because women were non-combatants, it was far easier for them to take on the diplomatic role."

  • Caregiving: From medical care to managing logistics of death and burial, women managed critical support roles.
    • Example: A female physician cared for Louis IX during his Egyptian campaign.
    • Quote [24:30]:

      "Caregiving is traditionally a role of women... responsible for washing, laying out the dead, caregiving, ensuring proper burial."

7. Women Left Behind: Challenges at Home

• While their husbands or relatives crusaded, women were often left managing estates, defending family interests, and dealing with financial hardship and legal vulnerability. ([26:17])
  • Example: Countess Sibyl of Flanders led a retaliatory raid after being attacked while heavily pregnant, illustrating both vulnerability and agency.
• Ordinary Women: Lacked resources to defend property or themselves, faced dangers from predatory neighbors, and often struggled with debt if the crusader died abroad.

8. Commemoration and Memory

• Women were central in preserving and honoring crusading family members. They funded lavish tombs, sponsored masses, or organized daily prayers.
  • Example: The Countess of Champagne created an elaborate family tomb as a "roll call" of crusading ancestors.
  • Chroniclers and letter-writers (e.g., Anna Komnena) provide women's perspectives even if they weren’t directly involved in the crusades themselves.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:49], Helen Nicholson:

  "When I first started reading about the Crusades as a teenager, I discovered there was very little reference in the secondary literature to women. But when I looked at the primary sources... there were women there."

• [03:33], Helen Nicholson:

  "Once you start looking, there are women everywhere... not necessarily at the front line, but there's all sorts of background work which needs to be done. No army can operate without its support forces."

• [11:45], Helen Nicholson (on women motivating crusaders):

  "There were many women who did encourage their menfolk to go on crusade... and wanted to go themselves, but they couldn't because of the 'weakness of their sex.' In fact, many women did go."

• [21:50], Helen Nicholson:

  "Because women were non-combatants, it was far easier for them to take on the diplomatic role."

• [24:30], Helen Nicholson:

  "Caregiving is traditionally a role of women... responsible for washing, laying out the dead, caregiving, ensuring proper burial."

Timestamps for Notable Segments

• [01:46] – Helen’s background, motivation for the book
• [05:31] – Women’s access to political and crusading arenas, practical and legal barriers
• [10:06] – Women encouraging/dissuading crusade participation
• [13:10] – Notable elite and holy women (Matilda of Canossa, Birgitta of Sweden)
• [19:06] – Main roles: accompaniment, caregiving, diplomacy
• [26:17] – Women’s challenges at home during the Crusades
• [29:18] – Methods of commemoration by women

Tone and Language

The conversation blends academic insight with narrative storytelling, illustrating both the complexities and the underappreciated agency of women associated with the Crusades. Nicholson uses vivid historical examples and maintains an accessible, engaging tone.

Conclusion

Helen J. Nicholson's Women and the Crusades brings to light the multidimensional roles women played during the crusading era—far beyond the traditional image of passive bystanders. From warriors and rulers to caregivers and diplomats, and from commemorators at home to influential saints, women were integral to crusading society. This episode offers a compelling corrective to male-centric narratives and highlights the richness of historical evidence when examined with fresh eyes.

Book discussed:
Women and the Crusades by Helen J. Nicholson (Oxford University Press, 2023)