The Second Crusade, Chapter 3: The Defeat of the German Army

In 1147, the German army, led by Conrad III, departed eastward first. The large contingent traveled through Hungary and the Byzantine Empire to Constantinople before moving into Asia Minor. However, tensions arose between the Byzantine Empire and the Crusaders during the march, and they faced difficulties securing food and supplies. Upon entering Asia Minor, the German army was attacked by the Seljuk Turks. A battle occurred near Dorylaeum in October 1147, where the German forces, unable to overcome the enemy's surprise attack and unfavorable terrain, suffered a major defeat. Many soldiers were killed or captured, and Conrad III retreated to Nicaea with the remaining troops. The defeat of the German army significantly weakened the Crusaders' strength from the early stages of the expedition. At the time, Asia Minor was an unfamiliar region to the European forces, and they were not accustomed to the local climate and terrain. The Seljuk army exploited these weaknesses, employing mobile attacks rather than direct confrontation. Consequently, the German army found it difficult to continue their originally planned large-scale advance and had to later join forces with the French army to move south again.