Crusades-Encyclopedia Pictures-Andrew Holt

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Andrew Holt [Below] and fellow UNF graduate Jonathyn Briggs at the Cathar Castle Queribus, Summer 2001. We were there studying Medieval History in France.on a study abroad led by Dr. Paul Halsall. The hike up the hill is only a few hundred yards but it is exhausting. I could not help but imagine the incredible physical effort necessary for a successful siege of the castle. Yet it is well worth the effort for a student of the crusades to get a close look at the excellent surviving architecture, especially the gothic style hall. Jonathyn is currently finishing up his PHD in French History at Emory University.

Andrew Holt meeting with His All Holiness Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople-Spring 2002 In the Spring of 2002, I was fortunate enough to study Byzantine History in Turkey with a small group of students from the University of North Florida under the direction of Dr. Paul Halsall. Part of our trip included a private meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople and the spiritual leader of over 300,000,000 Orthodox Christians. Although none of the 15 students from UNF taking part in this meeting were Orthodox Christians, the Patriarch had photographs of Pope John Paul II and U.S. President George W. Bush displayed on his desk. We all suspected they were placed there before we entered the room as a sign of friendship. Behind the Patriarch's desk hung an imposing picture of the secular Turkish revolutionary Kemal Attaturk. The Patriarch spent about 15 minutes with our group and kindly made his way around the room serving each of us candy from a jar before giving us all crucifixes. My friend and fellow UNF M.A. graduate William Milsten quietly took this photograph without my knowledge. Thanks Bill. Click here for the Patriarch's Official Website

Andrew Holt [Below] with a group of UNF faculty and students in Cappadocia while studying Byzantine History in Turkey. Here we were touring one of the fascinating ancient underground cities.

My beautiful wife Michele [Below] has demonstrated a saint-like patience in supporting and encouraging my study of the middle ages.

Andrew Holt [Above] on the Bosphorus pointing to the famous Faith Sultan Mehmet Bridge. The bridge is believed to have been built in the location where the Persian ruler Darius constructed a bridge of ships to enable his massive army to cross continents 2500 years ago as told by Herodotus.

Below: A recent picture of my lovely daughters, Isabella and Claire- They constantly inspire and cheer up an otherwise stressed out and underpaid grad student.