Moslems. They laid siege to Antioch and shut up the Crusaders
within its walls for weeks. However, after a number of engagements
in which there was great loss of life, the Turks and Persians were
at last driven away.

The way was now opened to Jerusalem. But out of the half million
Crusaders who had marched from Europe less than fifty thousand were
left. They had won their way at a fearful cost.

Still onward they pushed with brave hearts, until on a bright
summer morning they caught the first glimpse of the Holy City in
the distance. For two whole years they had toiled and suffered in
the hope of reaching Jerusalem. Now it lay before them.

But it had yet to be taken. For more than five weeks the Crusaders
carried on the siege. Finally, on the 15th of July, 1099, the
Turks surrendered. The Moslem flag was hauled down and the banner
of the cross floated over the Holy City.

A few days after the Christians had occupied Jerusalem Godfrey of
Bouillon was chosen king of the Holy Land.

"I will accept the office," he said, "but no crown must be put on
my head and I must never be called king. I cannot wear a crown of
gold where Christ wore one of thorns nor will I be called king in
the land where once lived the King of Kings."

Peter the Hermit is said to have preached an eloquent sermon on the
Mount of Olives. He did not, however, remain long in Jerusalem,
but after the capture of the city returned to Europe. He founded