Raymond of Toulouse vs Shi Siming

Raymond of Toulouse was a principal leader of the First Crusade, commanding a large army from southern France. He participated in the siege of Nicaea and the Battle of Dorylaeum, and was a key figure in the capture of Antioch in 1098.

Raymond played a leading role in the siege of Antioch, which lasted from October 1097 to June 1098. After the city's capture, he claimed the citadel but was outmaneuvered by Bohemond, who became Prince of Antioch.

After the capture of Jerusalem in July 1099, Raymond was offered the crown but refused, reportedly out of piety. Godfrey of Bouillon was elected instead, taking the title 'Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre.'

Raymond began the siege of Tripoli in 1102, establishing a fortified camp called Mount Pilgrim. He died in 1105 before the city fell, but his efforts laid the groundwork for the creation of the County of Tripoli under his son.

Shi Siming, a fellow general and friend of An Lushan, joined the rebellion from the outset. He commanded forces in the northern theater, securing key territories in Hebei and Shanxi for the Yan dynasty.

After An Lushan's assassination, Shi Siming briefly submitted to the Tang court. He was pardoned and given a military command, but he remained suspicious of Tang intentions and soon rebelled again.

Shi Siming rebelled again, killing An Qingxu and seizing control of the Yan dynasty. He declared himself emperor and continued the war against Tang, proving to be a more capable commander than An Qingxu.

Shi Siming defeated Tang forces at Yancheng (modern Anyang), killing the Tang general Li Guangbi's ally. This victory allowed him to consolidate control over the Yellow River valley and threaten Luoyang.

Shi Siming was assassinated by his son Shi Chaoyi, who feared being replaced as heir. The patricide weakened the Yan dynasty, leading to internal strife and eventual defeat by Tang forces in 763.