By the winter of 1097, the crusader armies reach the fortified city of Antioch. What follows is one of the most grueling sieges of the First Crusade.

Starvation, disease, and desertion threaten to break the besiegers long before the city’s walls can. Yet in June 1098, a desperate gamble opens Antioch’s gates from within. The crusaders take the city, only to find themselves trapped inside as a massive Seljuk relief army arrives.

With supplies gone and morale collapsing, a claimed discovery of the Holy Lance sparks renewed resolve. Against overwhelming odds, the crusaders march out to face their enemies in a battle that will decide the fate of the campaign.

Victory at Antioch opens the road to Jerusalem, but internal rivalries and political tensions begin to fracture the fragile alliance.

Learn more at: https://theconflictarchive.com/conflict/first-crusade

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