Siege of Ma'arra

The Siege of Ma'arra was a brutal event during the First Crusade in 1098, when Crusaders captured the city of Ma'arra in modern-day Syria. Facing shortages of food and supplies, some Crusaders resorted to cannibalism, consuming the flesh of those who had died or been killed. This grim episode reflects the extreme hardships and moral dilemmas faced during prolonged sieges. Despite this, the Crusaders eventually secured Ma'arra, but the event remains a stark reminder of the brutal realities of medieval warfare and the desperation caused by starvation.