1. Strategic location: Antioch was an important city in the region and had strategic significance. It was located on the Orontes River, which was a major trade route, and it was also situated at the crossroads of several important roads. Controlling Antioch would give the crusaders a strong foothold in the region and would allow them to control the movement of goods and people.
2. Control of resources: Antioch was a wealthy city and had a large population. Controlling Antioch would give the crusaders access to important resources, such as food, water, and money. This would be vital for the crusaders as they moved on towards Jerusalem, as they would need to sustain their army and support their efforts.
3. Support from local Christians: There was a large Christian population in Antioch, and the crusaders hoped to gain their support. The Christians in Antioch were suffering under Muslim rule, and they saw the crusaders as liberators. By winning the support of the local Christians, the crusaders could bolster their forces and gain valuable allies in the region.
4. Base for further operations: Antioch could be used as a base for further operations in the region. The crusaders could use the city as a staging point for attacks on other cities, such as Jerusalem, and they could also use it as a safe haven to regroup and rest.
5. Demonstration of strength: The capture of Antioch would be a major victory for the crusaders and would demonstrate their strength to the Muslims. This could make it easier for the crusaders to negotiate with other Muslim leaders and could help them to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching Jerusalem.