I’m delighted to announce the publication of my latest article in the April 2026 issue of History Today. Titled Baldwin, Saladin, and the Fall of Jerusalem, by Ashley Firth, the piece explores one of the most pivotal moments in medieval history.
Baldwin, Saladin, and the Fall of Jerusalem
During my doctoral research, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem—often known as the “Leper King”—emerged as a central figure. Despite his illness, Baldwin led a remarkable, if brief, life and reign. His death in 1185, at just 24 years old, was followed only two years later by the fall of the Kingdom of Jerusalem in 1187.
In this article, I reassess Baldwin’s kingship and examine the wider circumstances that contributed to Jerusalem’s fall. By revisiting the evidence, I offer a new perspective on the complex political and military factors behind the loss of one of Christendom’s most sacred cities.
The discussion also highlights the influence of key figures, including Guy of Lusignan and Raymond III of Tripoli, considering their roles both in the lead-up to and during the Battle of Hattin.
Where to Read the Article
The article appears in the print edition of History Today, available to purchase via the magazine’s official website. A three-month subscription is currently priced at £5, providing three issues alongside access to the publication’s digital archive.
Copies are also stocked by major retailers, including WHSmith.
Looking Ahead
There is plenty to look forward to in 2026, with several new projects already underway. An upcoming article on Queen Emma of Normandy is due out this spring, followed by another piece examining the rule of Queen Melisende of Jerusalem, scheduled for release next year.
In addition, my first book, Trailblazing Medieval Women, will be published this summer by Pen & Sword. This project brings together some of the most compelling female figures of the medieval world, and I’m excited to introduce them to a broader readership.
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