Kerbogha of Mosul, en route to save Antioch, spent three weeks in a vain attempt to capture Edessa

Summary:
Baldwin of Edessa, hearing that Kerbogha of Mosul had been sent by a Persian prince with a vast polyglot army to save Antioch and destroy the crusaders, prepared Edessa with food, weapons and men for a siege. Baldwin held out successfully for three weeks, when Kerbogha was persuaded to abandon the siege and go on to Antioch. By giving the crusaders time to capture Antioch Baldwin saved them, without going there in person 
Dates:
1098 May 
Baldwin of Boulogne, Baldwin I, king of Jerusalem (Baldwin 51)
  • Having warning of coming of Kerbogha 4001, prepared Edessa with food, weapons and men for a siege; he held out successfully for three weeks, saving crusaders by giving them time to capture Antioch, though he did not come in person (: ) William of Tyre bk. 5, 14.25-49
  • He tried to harry the Turkish army as it went on to Antioch, especially as it had to split into parts to cross the mountains and the Euphrates; but the Turks were watchful and gave him no chance to attack; he could only pray for the crusaders (:) Albert of Aachen IV.12
  • Against the huge army of Kerbogha 4001, he gathered his troops, defeated an advance force (increasing Kerbogha's resolve), then organised defence from the walls of Edessa till the Turks decided to postpone its capture till after victory at Antioch (:) Albert of Aachen IV.12
  • He defended Edessa for some three weeks against the huge forces of Kerbogha 4001; the attackers went on their way unsuccessfully (:) Fulcher of Chartres 1.19.2
Barkiyaruq, Seljuq sultan (Barkiyaruq 101)
  • Being warned of troubles of Antioch, he decided to stop Christians before they attacked him; sent into Syria a huge polyglot army under Kerbogha 4001, with documents giving him jurisdiction over all authorities in his empire (: ) William of Tyre bk. 5, 14.1-18
  • A powerful Persian prince was said to have been persuaded by Antiochene and other anti-crusading pleas to send great army to relieve Antioch; this caused atmosphere of crisis in camp, including departure of Stephanos 4001 (: ) William of Tyre bk. 5, 10.1-12
  • When he was convinced that a serious attack was being made by the crusaders on Antioch, he at once raised a great army and sent it into Syria, under the command of Kerbogha 4001 (:) Fulcher of Chartres 1.19.1
Kerbogha of Mosul (Kerbogha 4001)
  • Was sent into Syria by Barkiyaruq 101 leading a huge polyglot army, with documents giving him jurisdiction over all authorities in the empire he served; he first decided to attack Baldwin 51 in Edessa (: ) William of Tyre bk. 5, 14.18-25
  • Ordered attack on Edessa, but after three weeks he was clearly making no progress; he was persuaded to abandon siege, but the delay was crucial: he would have been hard to resist if he had arrived before capture of Antioch (: ) William of Tyre bk. 5, 14.29-49
  • He brought his whole army up to Edessa and attacked it for three days [others say three weeks]; but the walls were very strong and the defence well-organised, so he determined to relieve Antioch first and return to take Edessa at leisure (:) Albert of Aachen IV.12
  • He gathered his massive army and moved near Edessa, hearing of the anti-Turkish exploits of Baldwin 51, and planning to expel him; a small Turkish force was defeated by the Frankish knights, making Kerbogha more determined (:) Albert of Aachen IV.10-11
  • He had to divide his army so as to cross mountains and the Euphrates, so Baldwin 51 shadowed it in the hope that some part could be attacked; but the Turks were watchful and gave him no opportunity (:) Albert of Aachen IV.12
  • On his way from the east to Antioch, he spent three weeks attempting to take Edessa, which was defended by Baldwin 51; but when he failed to achieve his purpose, he moved on to save Antioch (:) Fulcher of Chartres 1.19.2