High Middle Ages · Middle East · War

1097

Battle of Dorylaeum

July 1, 1097

On the Anatolian plateau, Kilij Arslan's mounted archers encircled Bohemond's vanguard and inflicted terrible damage until the main Crusader force arrived and drove the Turks off. The victory secured the Crusader march across Anatolia but cost many horses and lives to heat, thirst, and harassment from the Turks. Knights who had ridden from France in full armor now walked, their precious warhorses dead from exhaustion.