Saracen Strongholds AD 630-1000

Drawing upon pre-existing Romano-Byzantine, Iranian, Central Asian and Indian traditions of military architecture, as well as influences from China, the Islamic world produced its own highly sophisticated, effective and varied style of fortification. Unlike the castles of Byzantium and Western Europe, which it went on to influence, Islamic military architecture was primarily focussed upon defending cities and borders, rather than being associated with royal and feudal elites. From the mayyad 'castles in the desert' of Jordan and Syria, to the 'Round City of Baghdad' and the great gates of Cairo, this book examines early Saracen fortifications, covering their historical background, socio-political circumstances, and their role in protecting industry, trade and the frontiers of the Islamic world. Book jacket.Nicolle, David is the author of 'Saracen Strongholds AD 630-1000' with ISBN 9781846031151 and ISBN 184603115X.