Who is the author of 'Conquerors'?

The author of 'Conquerors' is Roger Crowley.

What are the main themes in 'Conquerors'?

The main themes in 'Conquerors' include Ancient History, History, Military History.

What genre is 'Conquerors'?

'Conquerors' is categorized as History.

Who is the author of the book 'Conquerors'?

The author of the book 'Conquerors' is Roger Crowley.

What is the main theme explored in 'Conquerors'?

The main theme explored in 'Conquerors' by Roger Crowley is the clash of civilizations during the era of the Ottoman Empire's expansion, particularly focusing on the interactions, conflicts, and cultural exchanges between East and West. Crowley delves into the struggle for dominance in the Mediterranean, highlighting themes of power, conquest, and the impact of war on societies.

What historical events does 'Conquerors' focus on?

'Conquerors' by Roger Crowley focuses on the historical events surrounding the dramatic maritime conflict of the early Ottoman Empire against the Venetian Republic, specifically highlighting the significant military encounters and the rise of the Ottoman naval power in the Mediterranean during the 15th and 16th centuries. It examines key battles, the fall of key cities, and the impact of these events on European and Ottoman relations.

Who are the primary figures discussed in 'Conquerors'?

In 'Conquerors' by Roger Crowley, the primary figures discussed include notable leaders and commanders such as the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II and the Venetian commander Francesco Foscari, alongside other key players involved in the historical conflicts between the Christian and Muslim states during the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The book focuses on the dramatic events surrounding the Fall of Constantinople and the battles that shaped the Mediterranean world.

What significance does the title 'Conquerors' have in relation to the book's content?

'Conquerors' by Roger Crowley explores the themes of conquest, power, and the impact of historical events on civilizations. The title signifies the central focus on those who achieved notable victories, particularly in the context of the Ottoman Empire and its expansion into Europe. The book delves into the stories of various conquerors, detailing their motivations, strategies, and the cultural ramifications of their conquests. It highlights how these figures shaped the course of history, reflecting on the dual nature of conquest as both a means of asserting dominance and a catalyst for change in societies.

Conquerors Book Summary

In 'Conquerors,' Roger Crowley unveils the gripping saga of the Ottoman Empire's quest for supremacy in the Mediterranean during the 16th century. Through vivid storytelling, he delves into the lives of formidable leaders, relentless battles, and daring naval strategies that shaped the course of history. The book intricately weaves the personal ambitions of power-hungry conquerors with the broader narrative of collision between civilizations. Readers will be captivated by Crowley's skilled portrayal of both triumph and tragedy as empires rise and fall. Can the echoes of the past reveal lessons for our modern world?

By Roger Crowley

Published: 2015

""In the relentless tides of ambition and conflict, history is not merely written by victors, but by those who dare to dream beyond the horizon of their own age.""

In Conquerors, New York Times bestselling author Roger Crowley gives us the epic story of the emergence of Portugal, a small, poor nation that enjoyed a century of maritime supremacy thanks to the daring and navigational skill of its explorers—a tactical advantage no other country could match. Portugal’s discovery of a sea route to India, campaign of imperial conquest over Muslim rulers, and domination of the spice trade would forever disrupt the Mediterranean and build the first global economy. Crowley relies on letters and eyewitness testimony to tell the story of tiny Portugal’s rapid and breathtaking rise to power. Conquerors reveals the Império Português in all of its splendor and ferocity, bringing to life the personalities of the enterprising and fanatical house of Aviz. Figures such as King Manuel “the Fortunate,” João II “the Perfect Prince,” marauding governor Afonso de Albuquerque, and explorer Vasco da Gama juggled their private ambitions and the public aims of the empire, often suffering astonishing losses in pursuit of a global fortune. Also central to the story of Portugal’s ascent was its drive to eradicate Islamic culture and establish a Christian empire in the Indian Ocean. Portuguese explorers pushed deep into the African continent in search of the mythical Christian king Prester John, and they ruthlessly besieged Indian port cities in their attempts to monopolize trade. The discovery of a route to India around the horn of Africa was not only a brilliant breakthrough in navigation but heralded a complete upset of the world order. For the next century, no European empire was more ambitious, no rulers more rapacious than the kings of Portugal. In the process they created the first long-range maritime empire and set in motion the forces of globalization that now shape our world. At Crowley’s hand, the complete story of the Portuguese empire and the human cost of its ambition can finally be told. Praise for Conquerors “Excellent . . . Crowley’s interpretations are nuanced and fair.”—The Christian Science Monitor “In a riveting narrative, Crowley chronicles Portugal's horrifically violent trajectory from ‘impoverished, marginal’ nation to European power, vying with Spain and Venice to dominate the spice trade.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Brings to life the Portuguese explorers . . . perfect for anyone who likes a high seas tale.”—Publishers Weekly “Readers of Crowley’s previous books will not be disappointed by this exciting tale of sea battles, land campaigns and shipwrecks. . . . Crowley makes a good case for reclaiming Portugal’s significance as forger of the first global empire.”—The Daily Telegraph “Crowley has shown a rare gift for combining compelling narrative with lightly worn academic thoroughness as well as for balancing the human with the geopolitical—qualities on display here. The story he has to tell may be a thrilling one but not every historian could tell it so thrillingly.”—Michael Prodger, Financial Times “A fast-moving and highly readable narrative . . . [Crowley’s] detailed reconstruction of events is based on a close reading of the works of the chroniclers, notably Barros and Correa, whose accounts were written in the tradition of the chronicles of chivalry.”—History Today

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