A Study On The Military Reasons For The Decline Of Antioch

Antioch on the Orontes is a famous city in the Mediterranean area in the classical times.With the invasion of barbarians and the continuous wars around the Mediterranean,Antioch began to decline.Fortunately,the city’s unique geographical location gives it great military value.Relying on this advantage,Antioch became a strong fortress in the front line of military conflict between Byzantium and Muslims,realizing the "rejuvenation" of the city.Military function is the most important function to maintain the status of Antioch at this time.With the beginning of the Crusade,the military situation on the east coast of the Mediterranean changed subtly.The emergence of new strategic needs,the shift of strategic focus,the change of operational tactics and the innovation of military technology of all parties to the conflict weaken the military functions of Antioch and impact its status.In the 13 th century,the military value of Antioch was almost completely lost,and the city lost its last pillar.In 1268,Mamluk captured Antioch,which marked the complete decline of Antiochus.The decline of Antioch was closely related to the military changes on the eastern Mediterranean during the crusade.This paper studies the geographical location,strategies,tactics and military technology of Antioch,explore the military influence on the fate of Antiochus,and then explain the reasons for the decline of Antioch during the crusade.In the end,as a military fortress,Antioch could not adapt to the changes of the war during the Crusade,and was finally eliminated.What’s more,the prosperity and development of a city need a peaceful external environment.It’s difficult for a city to achieve sustained prosperity if it only relies on military functions.Antioch is an example.