Crusader Acre in the Thirteenth Century: Urban Layout and Topography

Crusader Acre's thirteenth-century urban layout and topography can be reconstructed with unprecedented clarity, thanks to abundant contemporary sources and surviving fourteenth-century maps. The study reveals significant continuity from the Arab period but also identifies pronounced changes post-1191, particularly after Saladin's conquest. The term 'ruga,' central to Crusader-era city descriptions, is critically analyzed for accurate topographical interpretation. This reconstruction leverages a wealth of ecclesiastical and lay building records, providing a nuanced understanding of Acre's urban evolution during the Crusades.

Jacoby, D. (2017). Crusader Acre in the Thirteenth Century: Urban Layout and Topography. Studies on the Crusader States and on Venetian Expansion, V–1. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315204055-5