News arrived that the Fatimids had taken Jerusalem from the Seljuks, making it imperative to attack. Bohemond remained in Antioch, retaining the city, despite his pledge to return it to Byzantine control, while Raymond led the remaining Crusader army rapidly south along the coast to Jerusalem. An initial attack on the city failed, and the siege of Jerusalem of 1099 became a stalemate, until they breached the walls on 15 July 1099. For two days the Crusaders massacred the inhabitants and pillaged the city. Godfrey further secured the Frankish position by defeating an Egyptian relief force at the battle of Ascalon in August 1099.