Postscript

Crusader archaeology and art-historical research dealing with the material culture of the Latin East has made major strides in recent years. The list of sites excavated over the past few years or being excavated at present is long. In Israel recent and ongoing excavations include Frankish sites in Akko and Jerusalem, the castles of Belmont, Beit Govrin, Beit She’an, Blanchegarde, Caesarea, Jaffa, Jerusalem, the Red Tower and Vadum Jacob; this is only a partial list. Important work has been carried out in Cyprus, particularly at Saranda Kolones Castle and at the sugar refinery of Kouklia. Castles have received considerable attention over the years, resulting in some important studies (Ellenblum 1996; Kennedy 1994; Pringle 1986b, 1989, 1994b, 1994c). Major surveys of ecclesiastical and lay buildings have been carried out (Pringle 1993b, 1997, 1998). The study of Frankish art has been greatly enhanced with the recent publication of major studies and surveys (Folda 1995; Jacoby 1979, 1982; Kenaan 1973, 1979; Kenaan-Kedar 1992; G. Kuhnel 1988; B. Kuhnel 1979, 1991, 1994). A number of studies of Frankish coins and ceramics have been published (Boas 1994; Glucksmann and Kool 1995; Megaw 1968, 1975, 1989; Metcalf 1995; Pringle 1982, 1984b, 1985c, 1987; Stern 1997). There are, however, still many areas that remain untouched. Very little work has been done on human, animal and plant remains. The use of aerial photography, particularly the study of early photographs, introduced and used to great effect by Kedar, has led to some important discoveries (Boas 1997; Kedar and Pringle 1985; Kedar 1997) and has considerable potential, justifying broader use. Pioneering studies of glass and textiles have been made (Baginski and Shamir 1994a, 1994b, 1998; Gorin-Rosen 1997). However, in these and other fields the surface has barely been scratched. Nonetheless, the momentum has picked up and if the present rate of research and publication continues, the future of this field looks bright.