Battle of Antioch

1098 Jun 28 Antioch

Battle outside the walls of Antioch (23 june 1098) between the crusaders, commanded by Bohemnon, and the army of Kerbogha. © Henri Frédéric Schopin (1804–1880)

The Battle of Antioch in June 1098 marked a dramatic turning point in the First Crusade, concluding the months-long siege of the city and the subsequent attempt by Kerbogha, atabeg of Mosul, to reclaim it. After successfully capturing Antioch from Muslim forces, the Crusaders found themselves trapped within the city as Kerbogha’s coalition arrived to besiege them. The resulting battle demonstrated both the tactical ingenuity of the Crusaders and the fragile cohesion of Kerbogha’s forces.

As the Crusaders, weakened by starvation and illness, emerged from the city gates to confront Kerbogha's larger army, his commanders urged an immediate attack. However, Kerbogha hesitated, fearing a premature strike might expose his own forces to heavy losses. This indecision gave the Crusaders a critical opportunity to organize their six regiments under experienced leaders such as Bohemond of Taranto.

Battle of Antioch 1098 CE. @ Charles Oman

Despite Kerbogha’s attempt to lure the Crusaders into uneven terrain and harass them with horse archers, the Crusaders anticipated his maneuvers. Bohemond countered by deploying a seventh division under Rainald III of Toul to hold off flanking attacks. As the battle progressed, the morale of Kerbogha’s forces began to crumble. Disunity plagued the Muslim coalition, with several emirs—including Duqaq of Damascus—deserting the battlefield, spreading panic among the remaining troops. Religious fervor also bolstered the Crusaders, who believed they saw divine visions of saints fighting alongside them.

Kerbogha’s army collapsed into disarray, fleeing toward Mosul as the Crusaders pursued them, inflicting heavy losses. This resounding victory ended the immediate threat to Antioch and secured the city for the Crusaders. Kerbogha’s defeat not only shattered his ambitions of regional dominance but also underscored the fragility of his coalition, which failed to match the unity and determination of the Crusaders.

Armenian Interlude

Baldwin captures Edessa

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First Crusade

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