No famous people were born on this date, but there may be notable events you would find interesting below.
June 28th, 1098, is a day etched in the annals of history, marking a pivotal moment in the First Crusade. On this fateful day, the Crusaders secured a decisive victory against the mighty Kerbogha, a Turkish general, at the gates of Antioch, a fortified city in modern-day Turkey.
In the years leading up to 1098, Christian forces had been making their way to the Holy Land, driven by a sense of religious fervor and the promise of reclaiming Jerusalem from Muslim rule. The Crusaders, led by Bohemond of Taranto, had laid siege to Antioch in October 1097, but their progress was slow and grueling.
Kerbogha, a seasoned commander, had been summoned to relieve the beleaguered city. With a formidable army at his disposal, he marched towards Antioch, intent on crushing the Crusader forces. The stage was set for a monumental clash, with the fate of the Crusade hanging precariously in the balance.
On June 28th, the Crusaders, led by Bohemond, sallied forth from Antioch's gates to confront Kerbogha's army. Despite being outnumbered, the Crusaders fought valiantly, buoyed by their religious zeal and the promise of divine intervention. The battle was intense and brutal, but in the end, the Crusaders emerged victorious, having successfully repelled Kerbogha's forces.
The defeat of Kerbogha at Antioch's gates marked a crucial turning point in the First Crusade. The victory bolstered the morale of the Crusader forces, paving the way for their eventual capture of Jerusalem in 1099. The significance of this battle cannot be overstated, as it cemented the Crusaders' foothold in the Holy Land and set the stage for a century of conflict between Christian and Muslim forces.
June 28th, 1098, stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the Crusaders, who against all odds, secured a vital victory that would shape the course of history. As we reflect on this momentous day, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of the First Crusade, which continues to fascinate and inspire to this day.