The Battle of Hab stabilised the Crusader Principality of Antioch after its near-collapse, allowing Baldwin II to recapture lost castles and halt Ilghazi's advance.
Key Facts
- Date
- 14 August 1119
- Also known as
- Second Battle of Tell Danith
- Crusader commander
- King Baldwin II of Jerusalem
- Muslim commander
- Ilghazi of Mardin
- Outcome
- Disputed — both sides claimed victory
- Strategic result
- Baldwin recaptured castles; Antioch preserved
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Principality of Antioch suffered a catastrophic defeat at the hands of Ilghazi of Mardin in the weeks prior to this engagement, leaving it severely weakened. Ilghazi seized numerous castles and threatened to press his advantage by marching on Antioch itself, prompting King Baldwin II of Jerusalem to intervene with a Crusader force.
On 14 August 1119, near Hab in northern Syria, King Baldwin II of Jerusalem led a Crusader army against Ilghazi of Mardin's Muslim forces. The battle was fiercely contested, and both sides subsequently claimed victory, making the outcome disputed. Nevertheless, Baldwin's army held the field and checked Ilghazi's offensive momentum.
Following the engagement, Baldwin II successfully retook all the castles that Ilghazi had captured and prevented any further Muslim advance toward Antioch. The battle effectively stabilised the Principality of Antioch, halting what had appeared to be an imminent and potentially decisive Muslim conquest of the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
King Baldwin II of Jerusalem.
Side B
1 belligerent
Ilghazi of Mardin.