Dorylaeum

Dorylaeum was an ancient city in Phrygia, located in northwestern Anatolia, near modern-day Eskişehir, Turkey. Its strategic position made it an important center throughout antiquity. The city is particularly famous for its role in the Crusades. In 1097, the First Crusade was fought near Dorylaeum, where the crusader army under Godfrey of Bouillon and Raymond IV of Toulouse decisively defeated the Seljuk Turks. This victory was crucial for the success of the Crusade, opening the way to Anatolia and ultimately to the Holy Land.

The city's history predates the Crusades, however. It was known to the Romans and was a bishopric in the Byzantine Empire. Its location on major trade routes contributed to its economic significance. After the Seljuk period, Dorylaeum remained a contested territory between various powers, including the Byzantines and later the Ottoman Turks. Its exact urban layout and monuments are not fully excavated, but archaeological evidence points to a significant settlement. The name Dorylaeum itself suggests a Greek origin, possibly related to a local legend or geographical feature. The site's historical importance, especially its military significance during the Crusades, has cemented its place in historical records.