Why hold'claim Osgiliath?

[MatthewM]

Originally Posted by Nerwen

You can tell Cody he was on the right track.

Osgiliath had strategic value. It was the easiest place to cross the River Anduin, which Sauron's army had to do in order to attack Gondor.

Indeed, Osgiliath was a huge strong hold for Gondor. If taken, Minas Tirith could easily be invaded.