Battle of Mount Cadmus

On January 6, 1148, the French column crossed Mount Cadmus (Honaz Dağı) when Seljuk mounted archers attacked it from the slopes. The line of pilgrims and baggage broke up, the rear guard was cut to pieces and many carts were thrown into the ravines. Louis VII, separated from the main body of the army, took refuge with his guard on a rocky spur before joining the column in the evening.

On his way to the Holy Land after the Council of Vézelay, Louis VII chose the Anatolian land route. Tense relations with Emperor Manuel Comnenus and the harsh winter delayed the march. Masud I of Rüm orders a war of attrition: destruction of bridges, blocking of sources and incessant attacks against the long crossed column.

The Seljuks used topography: mounted archers positioned on the ridges shooting from top to bottom, detachments blocking the tail of the column. The vanguard led by Geoffroy de Rancon continued its journey without delay, opening a gap which the Turks exploited. Louis VII forms a defensive circle of knights and pedestrians on a promontory, repels several assaults then descends at night to re-establish a corridor towards the vanguard.

The Mount Cadmus episode cost several hundred men, equipment and almost the entire royal treasure. The confidence of the French barons in the king's conduct is cracking; many will choose to embark at Attalia to avoid further ambushes. Arriving in Syria bloodless, the French army will no longer be able to decisively influence the continuation of the crusade.