Upon ascending the throne in 1118, the Byzantine emperor John II Komnenos was faced with the continued presence of Turks in Phrygia and along the Meander river.
[1][2] John planned to reconquer the city of Laodicea and led an army against it in the spring of 1119.
[2][1] When the army reached the Byzantine city of Philadelphia, John built a fortified camp and sent a force under the Grand Domestic John Axouch to attack Laodicea.
[2][1] Somewhat later, John's army marched on Laodicea and built fortifications around the city.
[2] John appointed a garrison and restocked the city with sufficient supplies.