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Siege of Antioch
Fluffy5
We arrived at Orontes River outside Antioch. The three major leader leading the crusades were discussing about what to do next Raymond wanted to make a direct assault, While Godfrey and Bohemund preferred to set siege to the city. Afer the first day, We encircled the city, The city's Byzanite fortifications were strong enouh to resist a direct attack, Although Yaghi-Siyan may not had enough men to adequately defend the city, A messenger told us that he was relieved and emboldened when we didn't attack immediately. Bohemund encamped on the northeast cornor of the city at the gate of St. Paul, Raymund set his camp further to the west at the Gate of Dog. And Godfrey placed his troops at the Gate of the Duke, Also further to the west Where a bridge of boats was built across the Orontes to the village of Talenki. To the souh was the tower of the Two Sister and at the northwest cornor of the Gate of St. Gergo Which was not blocked by our fellow Crusaders, And were used throughout the siege to supply Yaghi-Siyan with food. On the southern and eastern side of the city was "Hilly" area known as Mt. Silpius, Where the Citadel and the Iron Gate were located. ::  :: The First Siege :: In mid-November Bohemund's nephew Tancred had arrived with reinforcements, And a Genoese fleet had sailed into the port at St. Symeon, Bringing extra food and supplies. At the end of the month Bohemund and Robert of Flanders took about 20.000 men and went foraging f or to the south, But while they were gone, Yaghi-Siyan made a sortie out of the Gate of St. Ge orge on december 29 and attacked Raymond's encampment across the river at Talenki Raymond was able to turn him back but he was not able to capture the city itself. Meanwhile Bohemund and Robert were attacked by an army under Duqaq of Damascus Which had marched from the north to come to Antioch's aid. Although the crusaders were victorious here as well, They were forced to retreat to Antioch with little food. The mond ended inauspiciously for both sides: There was an Earthquake on December 30 And the following weeks saw such unseasonably bad rain and cold weather that Duqaq had to return home without further engaging the crusaders.