Battle of Inab

On June 29, 1149, Raymond of Poitiers led the army of Antioch and Armenian auxiliaries against Nur ad-Din near the ford of Inab. After repelling a raid on Artah, he seeks a pitched battle; Nur ad-Din lures the Franks to an isolated hill, closes the noose and annihilates the army. Raymond died fighting and his head was sent to Aleppo. 29 June 1149; ~400 knights / ~1,000 infantry vs Nur ad-Din’s ~6,000 (English Wikipedia).

Since the fall of Edessa, Nur ad-Din wanted to neutralize Antioch to control the upper valley of the Orontes. Raymond, allied with Thoros II of Cilician Armenia, tried to prevent the loss of the marches. Despite the absence of reinforcements from Tripoli and the warnings of Patriarch Aimery, he went out to confront the Zengid army, confident in the superiority of his heavy cavalry. 29 June 1149; ~400 knights / ~1,000 infantry vs Nur ad-Din’s ~6,000 (English Wikipedia).

English Wikipedia Battle of Inab notes: Nur ad-Din besieges Inab; Raymond (+ Assassins) arrives too weak → siege lifted. Raymond camps in open country without waiting for all reinforcements. Nur ad-Din surrounds the camp at night; attacks 29 June. Raymond refuses to flee, dies fighting (head sent; William of Tyre blames rashness). Sometimes compared to Ager Sanguinis. Aftermath: Artah, Harim, Imm; symbolic sea bath; Antioch ransomed; border redrawn.

The death of the prince leaves Antioch under the regency of Constantius, forced to seek Byzantine aid. Nur ad-Din recovers Artah and Harenc, consolidates his positions and strengthens his prestige with the Syrian emirs. The call for help launched in the West helps to raise Europe's awareness of the dangers faced by the Latin states, without however reversing the balance of power. 29 June 1149; ~400 knights / ~1,000 infantry vs Nur ad-Din’s ~6,000 (English Wikipedia).