Page 231 - ירושלים: גיליון רפואי

Between the Crescent and the Cross

Drugs and Cures in Jerusalem in the Middle Ages

During the Early Muslim Period (638-1099), Christian, Jewish, and Muslim physicians
practiced in Jerusalem and the authorities supported a hospital. The Crusaders who captured
Jerusalem in 1099 were exposed to modern Arabic medicine. Rulers preferred using the
medical services of Easterners and adopted the local medical system and its healing drugs.
The Order of Hospitallers founded a large hospital in the city. Saladin conquered the city in
1187 and established a Muslim hospital (al-Bimaristan al-Salahi). He encouraged renowned
physicians of different religions from Spain, Iraq, and Egypt to settle in Jerusalem. The city
was part of the lively commercial trade in the Middle Ages in medications and spices from
around the world.

‫הפקת גבישים‬
‫מקני סוכר‬

‫איור מספרו של‬
1591 ,‫פיליפ גאלה‬
Producing granules
from sugar cane
Illustration from

the book of
Phillip Galle, 1591

229 ■ ‫בין הסהר לצלב‬