Jerusalem as Palimpsest (Chapter 5)

Jerusalem's Old City, captured by Latin Crusaders in 1099 and ruled until 1187, retains a medieval architectural identity that would be recognizable to a visitor from the twelfth century. This study reveals that Crusader building campaigns in Jerusalem were not isolated but part of a broader effort to redefine the city's Christian topography, with distinct stylistic influences from both Western Europe and local Eastern traditions. While earlier research focused on reconstructing original building forms, this work highlights the continuous transformation and afterlife of these structures, offering a nuanced understanding of their enduring legacy. The study challenges the conventional view that Crusader architecture is purely French Romanesque, acknowledging significant Byzantine and local influences.

Verhoeven, M. (2014). 5 Jerusalem as Palimpsest. The Imagined and Real Jerusalem in Art and Architecture, 114–135. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004270855_007