Crusaders Defeat Kerbogha at Antioch
June 28th, 1098
June 28th, 1098

How Long Ago?
926 years, 8 months, 15 days ago
Location
Antioch, Turkey
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
First Crusade
People
- Bohemond of Taranto
- Raymond IV of Toulouse
- Kerbogha of Mosul
Links & References
Tags
Crusaders Defeat Kerbogha at Antioch
The Crusaders, led by their leaders, faced a crucial battle against the forces of Kerbogha of Mosul near the city of Antioch. With their morale at a low point due to previous hardships, the Latin Christians rallied to form a united front against the highly organized and numerically superior army of Kerbogha. The clash resulted in a decisive victory for the Crusaders, boosting their morale and setting the stage for further advances into the Holy Land. This encounter marked a significant moment in the First Crusade.
Clash occurred near the city of Antioch.
Crusaders were struggling but rallied for victory.
The battle utilized innovative tactics against Kerbogha.
This defeat influenced future Crusade campaigns.
What Happened?
In the summer of 1098, the backdrop for one of the pivotal battles of the First Crusade unfolded around the beleaguered city of Antioch. After a grueling siege, the Crusaders, comprised mostly of European knights and soldiers, found themselves in a precarious position as they faced the formidable forces led by Kerbogha of Mosul, who had come to relieve Antioch and defeat the invaders. Despite being outnumbered and plagued by supply shortages, the Crusader armies were infused with a renewed sense of purpose. They prepared to defend their hard-won gains in the city, which had been seized after a yearlong siege that began in October of the previous year.
On the fateful day, Crusader leaders, including Raymond IV of Toulouse and Bohemond of Taranto, coordinated their forces and strategies. Kerbogha's multi-cultural army, consisting of Turkish and Arab fighters, aimed to crush the struggling Crusaders who had become entrenched in Antioch. The battle commenced as both armies clashed violently on the fields outside the city, with the Crusaders demonstrating unexpected resolve and tactics, such as the effective use of schiltrons, which allowed them to withstand the onslaught. Amid the chaos, the Crusaders managed to exploit a gap in the enemy's formations, leading to a rout of Kerbogha's forces.
The hard-fought victory at Antioch was not just a tactical success. It revitalized the Crusaders’ spirit, which had been waning due to the hardships faced in their journey and the recent siege. Moreover, this victory allowed the Crusaders to secure their foothold in the region and continue their march towards Jerusalem. The defeat of Kerbogha’s forces marked a critical turning point that significantly influenced subsequent military actions during the First Crusade.
Why Does it Matter?
The defeat of Kerbogha had long-lasting effects on the First Crusade and Christian-Muslim relations in the region. It served as a turning point by reinforcing the Crusaders' resolve and underscoring the potential success of their mission in the Holy Land. This victory not only provided momentum for the Crusaders to march south towards Jerusalem but also established Antioch as a vital stronghold, shaping future military campaigns in the region and altering the power dynamics in the Near East.
Discover More Historic Events from June 28th
Terrorist Attack at Istanbul Atatürk Airport
A suicide bombing and gun attack occurred at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, resulting in the deaths of 42 individuals and injuring over 230. The attackers opened fire on passengers before detonating explosives in the terminal. This incident led to heightened security measures across Turkey and increased international concerns regarding terrorism.
Continue ReadingMilitary Coup Against Manuel Zelaya in Honduras
Manuel Zelaya, the President of Honduras, was ousted in a military coup following a failed attempt to hold a referendum aimed at rewriting the Honduran Constitution. The coup was executed by the military and supported by various sectors of society who opposed Zelaya's growing authoritarianism. This event marked the onset of a profound constitutional crisis that would lead to increased political tension and instability in the region.
Continue ReadingSovereignty Transferred to Interim Government of Iraq
The Coalition Provisional Authority officially transferred sovereignty to the new interim government of Iraq, ending the direct U.S.-led administration. The transfer marked a significant political transition following the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Iyad Allawi was appointed as the interim Prime Minister, leading a cabinet comprising both Iraqis and representatives from various ethnic and sectarian groups, reflecting the diverse makeup of the country.
Continue ReadingMilošević Extradition to The Hague
Slobodan Milošević, former President of Yugoslavia, was extradited to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges of war crimes. His extradition followed years of political unrest and international pressure for accountability regarding the atrocities committed during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s.
Continue ReadingMike Tyson Bites Evander Holyfield's Ear
In a highly charged rematch, Mike Tyson was disqualified in the third round for biting Evander Holyfield's ear. This shocking incident occurred during a heavyweight boxing championship held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, sparking widespread outrage and capture global media attention. Tyson's actions followed a contentious bout where frustrations escalated, leading to one of boxing's most infamous moments.
Continue ReadingSlobodan Milošević's Gazimestan Speech
Slobodan Milošević delivered a key speech at Gazimestan, marking the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo. The speech occurred before a large crowd of Serbian supporters, emphasizing themes of national pride and unity. Milošević's address was a cornerstone in promoting Serbian nationalism, invoking memories of Kosovo's historical significance during the medieval period. His rhetoric resonated deeply with many, as it aimed to revitalize a sense of identity amongst Serbs.
Continue Reading