The Siege of Antioch commenced as forces led by Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemund of Taranto, and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, surrounded the city of Antioch in 1097. Antioch was a major center of power in the medieval Christian and Muslim worlds, making it an essential target for the Crusaders aiming to reclaim Jerusalem. The First Crusade began in 1096 as a response to Pope Urban II's call to arms, rallying Europeans to recapture the Holy Land from Islamic control. The crusaders faced immense difficulties, including insufficient supplies, harsh weather, and strong resistance from the city's defenders. Despite these challenges, the determination of the leaders and their troops grew stronger as the siege progressed. The Crusaders eventually employed a range of siege tactics, including siege towers, to breach the city's formidable walls. On several occasions, the severity of the siege led to internal strife as the different factions of Crusaders jostled for dominance and resources. Meanwhile, news of a nearby Turkish army posed a constant threat, creating urgency among the besieging forces. This led to a more desperate scenario, where the morale of the defenders was tested frequently. Ultimately, the siege culminated in the capture of Antioch in June the following year, changing the course of the First Crusade and setting the stage for later actions, including the eventual capture of Jerusalem.