Siege of Edessa (1144)

BelligerentsCounty of EdessaZengidsCommanders and leaders Archbishop Hugh†
Bishop Basil bar Shumna
Bishop JohnImad al-Din ZengiCasualties and losses 5,000–6,000 civilians killed Unknown

The siege of Edessa took place from 28 November to 24 December 1144, resulting in the fall of the capital of the County of Edessa to Imad al-Din Zengi, the atabeg of Mosul and Aleppo. This event was the catalyst for the Second Crusade.