Battle during the first crusadesiege of Antioch. The crusades, running short of food, decided to sent a large force, some 20,000 strong under Bohemond and Robert of Flanders to find reinforcements. At the same time a large relief army under Duqaq of Damascus was approaching the city. Realising they were close to Bohemond and Robert, Duqaq moved rapidly towards them, and surrounded Robert's army. Luckily, Bohemond was a little behind Robert, and waiting until the Muslim army though they had the victory before joining the battle, inflicting heavy casualties on the Damascene army, which was forced to abandon the attempt to relieve Antioch, although they were unable to continue with their foraging.
Nicolle, David, The First Crusade 1096-1099: Conquest of the Holy Land , Osprey Campaign Series, vol 132. The Osprey volume for the first crusade. Nicolle had a great depth of knowledge of middle-eastern history, which is reflected in this book.
How to cite this article: Rickard, J. (30 August 2001), Battle of Harenc, 31 December 1097, http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_harenc1097.html
