The Battle of Dorylaeum took place during the Second Crusade, amidst the fervor of religious military campaigns initiated in the late 11th century. At the time, the Crusaders were motivated by the desire to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy sites from Muslim control. Led by Conrad III of Germany, the German contingent joined forces with the French Crusaders, uniting in their common cause. However, their journey through Anatolia was fraught with difficulties, including logistical challenges and local resistance.

The Seljuk Turks, a formidable force in the region, capitalized on the poorly organized Crusader forces. Under the strategic command of Sultan Mesud I, the Seljuks launched an ambush, attacking the German army. The battle unfolded with swift and brutal encounters, where the Turks utilized their knowledge of the terrain and superior cavalry tactics to disrupt the marching Crusaders. The Crusaders were overwhelmed by an unexpected assault that left deep scars in their ranks.

The defeat at Dorylaeum not only resulted in substantial military losses for the Germans, with thousands killed or captured, but it also sent shockwaves throughout the ranks of the European forces. This setback raised doubts about the Crusaders' overall strategy in the campaign and highlighted the vulnerabilities of their military objectives in foreign, hostile territories. The repercussions of this battle were felt throughout the duration of the Second Crusade, influencing subsequent military engagements and Crusader morale.