The Crusades: Part 1

Dr. Roy Casagranda starts by laying out the backgrounds for the primary actors: the Arabs, the Romans, the Seljuks, the Pope of Rome, and the Normans. He proposes that there were three proto-Crusades: The Norman invasion of Sicily in 1061, the Siege of Barbastro by the Norman commander Guillaume de Montreuil of French, Burgundian, Catalan, Aragonese, and Norman soldiers in 1064, and Roussel de Bailleul's Norman principality of Galatia (1073-77). Finally, he starts the Crusades and gets to 1108.

[RetsaGames]

This guy is a cross between a brilliant historian, storyteller and a stand-up comedian 😅. Cant get enough of his lectures

[branchDerridian]

"This will probably be a train wreck and everyone will hate it"

Proceeds to give on of the most entertaining, brilliant, informative, and clear lectures I've ever heard.

[SpectrumHazard]

In 2016, this man was my US Government professor. I am not exaggerating when I say he changed my life within the tiny scope of that class.
One of, if not the greatest lecturer I’ve ever listened to. It’s wild I got to learn from him at Austin Community College and now here he is, blowing up online. He deserves it.

[Thecuriousjulia]

Excuse me why am I enjoying a history lesson at 3 am??? Dr. Roy is an amazing story teller and his comments are witty and on spot 👌🏻

[ssn]

I did not go to college, but listening to this professor makes me wanna go back to college and it makes me want to move to Austin. I love the way he explains things in the way he goes into detail. Please keep the videos coming. We’re all hungry for this knowledge i love history

[blackpanthar]

I have immense respect for this man. What a brilliant teacher he is. The way he builds up his lecture from start is so brilliant and well scripted.

[Haruto---遼人]

people seriously need to stop taking history lessons from movies. they aren't even remotely close to the truth.
I'm glad i learned English to listen to intellectuals like Dr Roy. his lessons were my biggest joy these days.

[faizankirmani]

I'm a civil engineer, and the way you give lectures is amazing. I have listened to this lecture many times every time I learn something new.

[jeremy-avar]

Self-promotion is hard for the humble. Order a copy of Roy's book! (The Blood Throne of Caria)

[zimlawi]

Dr. Roy Casagranda is one of the best lecturers that I have ever listened to or watched. I put him up there with Dr. Noam Chomsky and Dr. Edward Said. He is clear in thought, precise in details, elaborative when needed, and exudes humility at the same time! Seldom you find these qualities in one single person these days! All the best wishes to you Dr. Roy, from here in Palestine! 🗝

[houm]

I could listen to this all day. Better than any movie or series could ever hope to be.

[GhadiehOne]

You can’t but appreciate and love a person like Professor Casagranda who simply calls the lands by their owners/inhabitants: PALESTINE! and on top of that an amazing historian

[ahmadsyauqimohdshukri]

What a great storyteller. Dr Roy, your lecture is incredible. Thank you!

[jehadnasser]

Prof. Roy, you took me back +30 years when I used to escape my engineering lectures to go attend the history lectures of a great Prof. Who made us dream while navigating in the old civilisations! I love your way, your style, your honesty. Love it all. Am proud to be your fan and wish to meet you one day, inshallah.

[susannethirkell-johnston]

Roy, Your lectures are never train wrecks, I love sitting in my house in Tasmania, Australia, watching them 👍

[emaddboor]

I am an Arab. I have been following you for several months. I like your lectures on history and the link between civilizations, eras and politics in a simplified way. I thank you because you speak the truth when explaining history and do not include Western racism, which, unfortunately, has distorted everything we have and many distorted our history. You know many reasons for listening. Good in English, but writing is not good, use Google

[MrThrowUps]

Every lecture I get that feeling of learning. And who isn't addicted to that?
You rock

[akib]

Love history. Love Roy's lectures. The best way to spend 2 hours.

[hikmawise]

Dr Roy considers himself as political scientist but he is also great historian. Big respect from Indonesia.

[SofiaOHabib]

Dr. Casagranda,   I'm not sure how I ended up in your YouTube videos, but I have been watching all your previous videos for the past 3 weeks. I enjoyed all your teaching. I am inspired by your knowledge, your dedication to the subject, and your unbiased approach to the subject you are teaching. I'm an x-UTA student. May Allah bless you and your family. Insha Allah, I will buy your book. Definitely, it will inspire all your readers.