The failed Byzantine-Frankish siege of Aleppo in 1138 demonstrated the strength of Zengi's defenses and ended Christian ambitions to create a buffer state in northern Syria.
Key Facts
- Date of assault
- 19 April 1138
- Allied forces
- Byzantines, Knights Templar, Antioch, Edessa
- Defender
- Zengi with cavalry, infantry, and archers
- Outcome
- Christian army repulsed and withdrew
- Byzantine camp location
- Queiq river
- Subsequent action
- Unsuccessful siege of Shaizar followed
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Byzantine Emperor John II Komnenos sought to extend imperial influence into northern Syria by capturing Aleppo and establishing a buffer state encompassing Shaizar, Homs, and Hama. He allied with Frankish contingents from Antioch and Edessa, including a Knights Templar force, to assemble a large Christian army capable of threatening the region's major Muslim-held cities.
In April 1138 the allied Byzantine and Frankish army besieged Aleppo, launching attacks on its southern and western sides on 19 April to probe garrison strength. Zengi, alerted by the city's inhabitants, secured timely cavalry, infantry, and archer reinforcements. Muslim militia sortied against the besiegers, repulsed them, and wounded a senior Byzantine commander, forcing the Christian army to abandon the siege.
Following their defeat at Aleppo, the Christian army departed in search of easier objectives and subsequently mounted an unsuccessful siege of Shaizar. The campaign failed to establish the intended buffer state, and the episode received little attention in Christian chronicles, suggesting it was regarded as an embarrassing setback for Byzantine ambitions in Syria.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
4 belligerents
John II Komnenos.
Side B
1 belligerent
Zengi.