Crusaders Seize Antioch: Victory Bolsters Holy Land Campaign
Crusader forces under Bohemond of Taranto captured Antioch on June 3, 1098, after a seven-month siege during the First Crusade. The siege had reduced the Crusaders to eating horses, rats, and leather. Starvation, disease, and desertion killed thousands. The breakthrough came when an Armenian guard named Firouz betrayed the city, opening a gate at night. The Crusaders poured in and massacred the Muslim and Christian inhabitants indiscriminately. Just two days later, a massive Muslim relief army under Kerbogha of Mosul besieged the Crusaders inside the city they had just captured. The discovery of what was claimed to be the Holy Lance inspired a desperate sortie on June 28 that routed Kerbogha's forces. Bohemond claimed Antioch as his own principality, violating his oath to the Byzantine Emperor.
June 2, 1098
928 years ago
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