The siege began on 12 June. The crusaders' forces, in the opinions of the chroniclers, consisted of 100,000-200,000 soldiers (according to Victor Verney, a modern historian, they probably had 80,000 soldiers). One of the most important points in the fortifications of Prague was Vítkov Hill. The fortifications on this hill secured roads on the crusaders' supply lines and were made from timber but were consolidated with a stone-and-clay wall and moats. On the southern part of the hill there was a standing tower and the northern part was secured by a steep cliff. The fortifications were said to be defended by 26 men and three women, though in the opinion of J. Durdik it was probably about 60 soldiers. On 13 July the crusaders' cavalry crossed the River Vltava and began their attack. The next day Hussite relief troops surprise-attacked the knights through the vineyards on the southern side of the hill on which the battle was fought. The attack forced the crusaders down the steep northern cliff. Panic spread among them, which resulted in their rout from the field. During the retreat many knights drowned in the Vltava. Most of Žižka's forces were soldiers armed with flails and guns.