Battle of Antioch 1098 • High Middle Ages
Discovering the battle
28 June 1098 (battle vs Kerbogha) — after the city fell on 3 June via Firuz (English Wikipedia) French victory

Battle of Antioch

First Crusade · Antioch (now Antakya, Türkiye)

Summary

After the capture of Antioch thanks to the betrayal of Firouz on June 3, 1098, the crusaders found themselves surrounded by Kerbogha of Mosul. Hungry and demoralized, they nevertheless organized an outing on June 28 in seven aligned battles, led by Bohemond, Robert of Flanders, Hugues of Vermandois and Raymond of Saint-Gilles. The Frankish lines pierce the Muslim left wing, while the rearguard of Tancred fixes the Turks; Kerbogha, fearing betrayal by his allies, ordered a retreat, leaving Antioch to the crusaders.

Historical context

The long siege exhausted the crusaders' supplies, made worse by the flight of many pilgrims. The discovery of the Holy Lance, however, galvanizes the fighters. Kerbogha brings together contingents from Mosul, Aleppo and Damascus and attempts to starve the city. Bohemond imposes his command, negotiating that the city returns to him if the exit is successful. The Latin leaders then organize a liturgical parade, confess and arrange the army in compact formation before opening the Pont gate.

Tactics

English Wikipedia Battle/Siege of Antioch notes: after Firuz (3 June), citadel still Turkish; Kerbogha besieges the crusaders (~7–28 June). 28 June sortie: six regiments then a seventh (Rainald of Toul) against outflanking — Bohemond holds a reserve. Kerbogha hesitates to strike at once, tries terrain draw / horse archers, then desertions (Duqaq of Damascus, etc.). Reported saintly visions. Rout; citadel surrenders. Corpus “pavises / seven layered battles / Raymond detachment” simplified per EN (six then seven divisions). Principality of Antioch for Bohemond.

Consequences

The Muslim rout allowed the crusaders to secure Antioch, which Bohemond transformed into a Latin principality. Baldwin of Boulogne reinforces Edessa, while the main army resumes its march towards Jerusalem in the winter of 1098-1099. The Muslim coalition was lastingly divided, with each emir reproaching Kerbogha for his management of the battle.

Location

Place : Antioch (now Antakya, Türkiye)
Coordinates : 36.2021°N, 36.1606°E