Siege of Antioch (oct 1, 1097 – jun 1, 1098)

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The Crusaders lay siege to the enormous walled-city of Antioch, but struggled to contain the garrison and maintain a full blockade simultaneously. Faced with a lack of supplies, no materials for siege engines, and a number of Muslim relief efforts, moral began to dwindle. After allied resupply and the construction of two counter-castles the city was eventually breached. A garrison commander allowed a small force of Crusaders up the walls, who allowed the main Christian army to enter the city. The Crusaders were soon under siege themselves and ran out of food, leading to desertions and a severe weakening of the Crusader army from starvation. With no other options available, but rallied by the discovery of the 'Holy Lance', the Crusader army attempted a last-ditch assault to break the siege. Engaging outside the city walls, the Crusader army managed to rout the poorly led Muslim forces and stabilise thier position.

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