The German contingent led by Otto of Freising was ambushed and destroyed near Laodicea by the Seljuk Turks.

On October 25, 1147, the main German army led by the king was ambushed by the Seljuks at Dorylauem.

[3] Weakened, they headed towards Laodicea up to Gediz River hoping to rest and gather supplies there.

[7][8] The Germans faced exhasution, starvation, and thirst, forcing them to kill their horses and cattle.

[9] Otto reached Antalya and traveled to Jerusalem through the sea, while others slowly made their way to the Levant using coastal roads.