The Siege of Antioch: The First Crusade. In 1097, the First Crusade arrived at the formidable walls of Antioch, initiating a gruelling eight-month siege. A brutal winter brought catastrophic famine and disease, decimating the army and forcing soldiers to consume their horses for survival. The stalemate ended in June 1098 when Bohemond of Taranto bribed a guard to lower a rope, allowing the Crusaders to seize the city. However, they were immediately besieged by Kerbogha’s massive relief army. Tra

“A Fortress in the Clouds: The Crusaders’ Most Terrifying Enemy”