After the fall of the Roman Empire, trade in Europe declined, roads fell into disrepair and commerce was centred on small towns and local markets; but by the 11th century new routes were opening up, Ironhand author Hilary Green tells Historia.
Ironhand by Hilary Green
1095. Pope Urban calls on the princes of Christendom to free Jerusalem from the infidel. Bohemond of Taranto arrives in Sicily seeking recruits for his force of Crusaders. Ranulph of Erbistock, known as Ironhand, joins him. Bohemond’s army is beset by enemies without and dissension and treachery within, but Ranulph becomes one of his trusted […]