Battle of Antioch (1098)

The Battle of Antioch (1098) was a pivotal military engagement of the First Crusade, fought between the Crusader army and the Muslim forces of Antioch, led initially by Yaghi-Siyan, the Seljuk governor, and later relieved by Kerbogha, the atabeg of Mosul. The siege of Antioch began in October 1097 and lasted until June 3, 1098, when the Crusaders finally breached the city walls.

The Crusaders faced immense hardship during the siege, including starvation, disease, and desertion. Despite these difficulties, they persevered, partly due to internal divisions and mistrust among the Muslim leaders defending the city and the surrounding region. Bohemond of Taranto played a crucial role in convincing a former Armenian guard within Antioch, Firouz, to betray the city and allow the Crusaders to enter.

Once inside, the Crusaders massacred the majority of the remaining Muslim inhabitants. However, their victory was short-lived. Just days later, a large Muslim relief army under Kerbogha arrived and besieged the Crusaders within the city.

Morale among the Crusaders plummeted. Peter Bartholomew, a Provençal priest, claimed to have discovered the Holy Lance, which pierced the side of Christ, buried beneath the floor of the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Although many were skeptical, the discovery boosted the Crusaders’ morale and provided a renewed sense of purpose.

On June 28, 1098, the Crusaders, led by Bohemond, launched a daring attack on Kerbogha's besieging army. Despite being outnumbered, the Crusaders achieved a surprising and decisive victory. Muslim disunity and internal squabbling, combined with the Crusaders' desperate fervor, contributed to the outcome. Kerbogha's army disintegrated, and Antioch was secured for the Crusaders.

The Battle of Antioch was significant because it resulted in the capture of a major city in the Levant by the Crusaders. However, disputes among the Crusader leaders over who would control Antioch delayed the continuation of the Crusade towards Jerusalem. Bohemond ultimately claimed Antioch for himself, establishing the Principality of Antioch, one of the Crusader states in the Levant.