Altuntash, the emir of Bosra and Salkhad,…

Altuntash, the emir of Bosra and Salkhad, squabbles in 1147 with his nominal superior, Mu'in ad-Din Unur, ruler of Damascus.

Offended, Altuntash allies himself to the Crusaders and agrees to hand over his two cities.

King Baldwin III concentrates his army, crosses the Jordan River and moves toward Bosra, about sixty-five miles south-southeast of Damascus and fifty miles east of the Jordan.

Soon after the Crusader march begins, the Damascene army shows up in great strength to contest their advance.

Many Latin soldiers are eager for battle, but more cautious heads prevail.

Posting extra guards to watch for a surprise attack, the Frankish army makes camp and spends the night.

After a council of war the next day, Baldwin and his officers determine to continue the expedition to Bosra in a fighting march.

The Latin army moves in the usual formation when opposed by an army of Turkish horse archers.

Provision is made to oppose attacks on the van, the flanks and the rear.

The Frankish foot soldiers march in close formation with foot archers ready to fire back at the Turkish horse archers and spearmen ready to repel a direct attack.

For four days, the Crusaders advance toward their intended goal, under constant archery and probing attacks.

Further, the soldiers are plagued by thirst in the hot summer weather.

When they arrive at Bosra, the Franks manage to obtain water and other supplies.

The Crusaders' high hopes are dashed when they discover that Altuntash's wife has introduced a Damascene garrison into Bosra's citadel.

Unwilling to chance a siege close to an enemy host, Baldwin elects to withdraw.

The Franks suffer even more on their return march from the heat, dust and constant harassment by the Turks.

At one point, the Damascenes set fire to the dry brush upwind of the Franks, adding to their misery.

The Crusaders carry their dead and wounded with them so that their enemies will not be encouraged by their losses.

Leaving the ranks without permission is forbidden, one exception being that a knight is allowed to rescue a Christian if he is about to be killed by a Muslim.

As the Franks near their own territories, the Saracens redouble their attacks on the Latin rearguard, trying to separate it from the rest of the formation.

Near the moment of crisis, a Turk fighting with the Crusaders rides out without leave and kills an opponent in personal combat, dismaying the Damascenes and encouraging the Franks; his breach will be later excused.

Ultimately, the Damascenes are unable to stop the Crusader army from recrossing the Jordan and safely returning to the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

The running battle has lasted twelve days.

Mu'in ad-Din Unur will shortly seize control of both Bosra and Salkhad.