In March 15, 624, Muhammad faced the Meccans in a first pitched battle, the Battle of Badr.[19] The prelude revolved around Muhammad's plan to raid a major Meccan caravan which was on its way from Syria to Mecca. It was of monumental size, composing 1000 camels transporting tens of thousands of Dinars, and was escorted by 70 horseman. Attacking this caravan would have forced Mecca into action, as virtually every Quraysh family had invested in it.