Siege of Ma'arra

Overview

The siege of Ma'arra occurred in late 1098 in the city of Ma'arrat Nu'man, in what is modern-day Syria, during the First Crusade. It is infamous for the claims of widespread cannibalism committed by the Crusaders.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The siege of Ma'arrat al-Nu'man in late 1098 was one of the most notorious episodes of the First Crusade, distinguished primarily by reported acts of cannibalism committed by Crusader forces against the city's population. The event occurred during the broader Crusader push through Syria toward Jerusalem and involved senior commanders including Raymond IV of Toulouse, Bohemond of Taranto, and Robert II of Flanders. With casualties recorded at 20,000, the siege stands as one of the most lethal engagements of the campaign. The reports of cannibalism attached a lasting infamy to the siege that set it apart from other episodes of Crusader violence during the march south, and have made it a recurring reference point in accounts of the First Crusade's conduct.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)