The Crusader detachment at Ma’arra had rejoined with the main army on their journey south, and together their combined force numbered around twelve thousand men. Although they only numbered about one-fifth of their original strength and size, the morale of the soldiers was high, for at last they were moving forward toward their final objective: to liberate the holy city of Jerusalem from the hands of Saracens and place it back under Christian control.
The months slowly trudged by as the Crusader army marched south along the coastline. Surprisingly, they met no resistance traveling through the Turkish villages and near the larger cities on their journey. Not only were the cities and villages absent hostilities, but many offered to pay tribute or outfit the Crusaders with food and supplies
