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.