Baldwin I of Jerusalem
The allies moved 80 kilometers south to the walled town of Afamiya. This move placed the combined army where it could maneuver to protect Aleppo, Damascus, or Antioch. Once he was certain the Turks were on the march, Roger sent a messenger to King Baldwin I of Jerusalem requesting assistance. Bursuq's army suddenly appeared and stormed Hama, a Muslim town only southeast of Afamiya. The Turkish commander soon made his camp at Shaizar, only 12 kilometers northwest of Hama.