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Siege of Edessa in November 1144, Basil joined with his Catholic and Armenian counterparts, Bishops Hugh and John, to organize the defense of the city. <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> During the two days of looting and massacre that followed the breach of the walls on 24 December, Basil had himself led about on a rope, naked and with his beard shaved. i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk>i<unk> According to Michael the Great, "as long as Zengi ruled in Edessa [...] this venerable bishop was very influential". <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk> <unk>