Crossing of Mount Honaz

Background

After Dorylaion the French army, with the German remnants, advanced south along the Aegean coast and then up the Maeander valley to Laodicea (Denizli). The road from Laodicea to Antalya ran through the steep passes of Mount Cadmus. Seljuk forces were watching the army's movements closely.

Course of events

The king ordered Geoffrey of Rancon, commanding the vanguard, to camp on the summit. But Geoffrey, thinking the march easy, went down beyond the pass. The main column behind, full of baggage and pilgrims, was left open to Seljuk attack.

In the attack in the narrow pass many soldiers and animals fell from the cliffs or were killed. According to Odo of Deuil, when his horse was killed Louis VII climbed onto a rock, held off his attackers and reached his army as darkness fell.

Outcome and significance

After this disaster the army's discipline was handed to Everard des Barres, master of the Templars in France; the Templars divided the army into units of fifty and secured an orderly march to Antalya. At Antalya Louis and most of the nobles sailed to Antioch; most of the pilgrims who found no ships were left behind and perished from disease and attacks.

Sources and debates

The main source is Odo of Deuil, who was with the king; his account is harsh toward Byzantium and full of praise for the Templars. William of Tyre also reports the episode. The battle is dated to 6 or 7 January 1148; the exact location of the pass is disputed.