Some innovations which came to the Welsh as a result of the Crusades
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The Crusades, a series of religious wars fought between the 11th and 13th centuries, are often remembered for their conflict and cultural exchanges between Europe and the Middle East. The Welsh participated in the Crusades and brought back some innovative ideas, technologies, and products. Some are pretty surprising.
1. Chimneys: Warming Up Homes
Before the Crusades, most Welsh homes were heated with central hearths, which filled rooms with smoke as it escaped through rudimentary roof openings. Crusaders encountered more advanced chimney designs in the Middle East, where ventilation systems allowed smoke to exit through vertical shafts. These ideas were adapted and introduced to the Welsh, eventually revolutionizing home heating and making indoor life far more comfortable, especially during harsh winters.
2. Wheelbarrows: A New Tool for Agriculture
The wheelbarrow, a seemingly simple invention, revolutionized agriculture and construction. Although its origins can be traced to China, the Crusaders likely encountered it in the Middle East, where it was already in use. The wheelbarrow enabled workers to transport heavier loads with greater ease, boosting productivity.
3. Spices: Transforming the Palate
The Crusades also served as a bridge for the spice trade. Crusaders returning from the East brought exotic flavours such as cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and cloves to the Welsh. These spices enhanced the medieval diet and became symbols of wealth and status.
4. Soap and Personal Hygiene
While basic cleanliness practices existed in medieval times, the Crusaders brought back knowledge of soap-making techniques from the Middle East. This innovation gradually influenced hygiene habits, leading to improved public health. Luxury soaps, infused with fragrances like rose and jasmine, also became highly desirable among the nobility.
5. Advanced Architecture: Arches and Vaults
The Crusades exposed European builders to Islamic and Byzantine architectural styles. Key innovations such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and intricate mosaics influenced the Gothic architectural movement in Britain. These elements can be seen in iconic structures like Bangor Cathedral, which incorporated these borrowed techniques into its design.
6. Medical Knowledge and Herbs
Crusaders encountered advanced medical practices in the Middle East, including the use of surgical tools, hospitals, and herbal remedies. They returned with newfound knowledge that enriched Welsh medicine. Herbs like cumin and coriander, which were common in Eastern remedies, began to be cultivated and used in for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
7. Glass Mirrors and Decorative Glassware
Though glass-making was not new to Europe, the Crusaders brought back intricate glass-making techniques from regions like Syria and Egypt. The introduction of decorative glassware and glass mirrors became a luxury item among the Welsh elite.
8. Mathematics and Scientific Ideas
The Crusaders' encounters with Islamic scholars introduced them to advanced concepts in mathematics, astronomy, and navigation. The use of Arabic numerals, which were easier to work with than Roman numerals, began to gain traction in Europe. These intellectual exchanges laid the groundwork for scientific advancements during the Renaissance.
9. Luxury Fabrics: Silk and Damask
Textiles such as silk, damask, and other finely woven fabrics were another treasure brought back from the Crusades. These luxurious materials became highly sought after, influencing both fashion and home décor.
10. Gardening Techniques
Inspired by the lush courtyards of Islamic palaces, ornamental gardens were introduced to Wales. The use of water features, exotic plants, and geometric layouts inspired such as the garden created at Rhuddlan Castle between 1282 and March 1284. It was a courtyard garden in the castle precinct. A fishpond was created with clay from Rhuddlan Marsh and surrounded with seats while the lawn was fenced with the staves of casks which had been discarded.
A Lasting Legacy
The Crusades were a period of immense cultural exchange. Though marred by conflict, they acted as a conduit for innovations and ideas. From practical tools like chimneys and wheelbarrows to luxurious goods like spices and silk, the Crusades expanded horizons.