"Syrian Christian troops during the 1st/2nd Crusades" Topic

Any idea what these troops would have looked like?

Runciman indicates that the Syrian Christians would have been settled in the area for some time. I would consider their dress and armor more native than European or Byzantine.

It depends, if it refers to Maronites then definitely arab Christians.

Hmmm! Looking at Syrian Arabs they are wearing something very like Byzantine kit with pointed baida (egg helmets) and coats of short lamellar armour or longer mail over a long padded or cloth coat. They would have round or almond shaped shields. This style is shown in sculptures from areas occupied by Turks, is very similar to Armenian style and is similar to Byzantine illuminated manuscripts. I would go so far as to suggest that there is a common regional style .
Infantry are again similar, but more likely to wear turbans, or cloth head coverings, but again pointed or rounded helmets sometimes with a turban around them are likely.. Of course Turks would look different, as would .Fatimid Egyptians and Bedouin.
Druzhina has put up a few pictures of appropriate troops here in the past so you might well search his files.

Ian Heath's discussion of Maronites (reputedly more warlike than the other Syrian Christian groups) at link courtesy of Druzhina.

The 'Melisende Psalter', Kingdom of Jerusalem, 1131-43 AD, has a mixture of Frankish, Saracen & Byzantine costume
Syrians in the painted windows in the monastery church of St Denis, 12th century (before 1140)

Although later the Syriac Gospel, BL MS. Ad. 7170, c.1220AD may be of interest.
Also, an extract on Bayḍah Helmets by David Nicolle (mouse-pointing at a link to a figure displays the caption).

I would be interested in Ian Heath's source for a Maronite or Syrian Christian, but it may be based on descriptions rather than a pictorial source.

Druzhina
12th Century Illustrations of Costume & Soldiers

I have a book I'll bring with me tomorrow. It should help.

According to phoenicia.org/maronites.html Christians (and Jews) in the area had been compelled to wear black clothes and turbans not long before the Crusades. I don't know whether this became established as tradition or thrown off as the mark of the oppressed.

In 15mm, I think OG have misinterpreted Heath's drawing as showing some kind of quilted armour but I think it is simply patterned. The sloppy looking turban has become an almost conical cap. I like the figures though and still used them :)
Essex's are probably closer to the mark,