March from Antioch to Jerusalem during the First Crusade

During the march the Crusaders encountered little resistance, as local rulers preferred to make peace with them and furnish them with supplies rather than fight, with a notable exception of the aborted siege of Arqa.

At the end of December or early in January, Robert of Normandy and Bohemond's nephew Tancred agreed to become vassals of Raymond, who was wealthy enough to compensate them for their service.

On 13 January he began the march south to Jerusalem, barefoot and dressed as a pilgrim, followed by Robert and Tancred and their respective armies.

Meanwhile, Godfrey, along with Robert of Flanders, who had also refused vassalage to Raymond, joined with the remaining Crusaders at Latakia and marched south in February.

Bohemond had originally marched out with them but quickly returned to Antioch in order to consolidate his rule against the advancing Byzantines.

Since Adhemar's death there had been no real leader of the crusade, and ever since the discovery of the Holy Lance by Peter Bartholomew in Antioch, there had been accusations of fraud among the clerical factions.

Peter underwent the ordeal and died after days of agony from his wounds, which discredited the Holy Lance as a fake.

The bishopric of Ramlah-Lydda was established there at the church of St. George (a popular crusader hero) before they continued on to Jerusalem.