Bohemond I of Antioch declared himself prince of Antioch

The First Crusade, initiated in response to a call for help from the Byzantine Empire, aimed to reclaim Jerusalem and other holy sites from Muslim control. The siege of Antioch was a pivotal event during this campaign. After a prolonged and challenging siege, the Crusaders successfully captured the city, which was strategically important due to its location and fortifications. The conquest of Antioch marked a turning point in the First Crusade, as it provided the Crusaders with a stronghold in the region and boosted their morale. Following this victory, Bohemond I, a prominent leader among the Crusaders, declared himself the prince of Antioch. This declaration was significant as it established a new political entity in the region, which would play a crucial role in the ongoing conflicts between Christian and Muslim forces. Bohemond's leadership and the establishment of the principality of Antioch contributed to the fragmentation of the Crusader states and set the stage for future military and political developments in the area. The principality became a center for further Crusader expeditions and interactions with local populations, influencing the dynamics of power in the Levant for years to come.