Battle of Mount Cadmus
Second Crusade – crossing Anatolia · Mount Cadmus / Honaz Dağı; near Laodicea / Chonae; mountains separating Phrygia and Pisidia (English Wikipedia)
Summary
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. Second Crusade; after the Meander crossing; before Attaleia (English Wikipedia).
Historical context
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. Second Crusade; after the Meander crossing; before Attaleia (English Wikipedia).
Tactics
English Wikipedia Battle of Mount Cadmus notes: Geoffrey de Rancon’s vanguard too far ahead; Louis ignores the gap. Franks think the heights are held; Seljuks attack when ranks break. Retreat into a narrow gorge (precipices); men, horses, baggage forced into the abyss. Louis escapes, leans on a tree, fights alone; rejoins the vanguard at night. Reach Attaleia 20 January with heavy losses. Corpus date “October” corrected to 6 January.
Consequences
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. Second Crusade; after the Meander crossing; before Attaleia (English Wikipedia).