covered with mosaics, was described by an Arab chronicler as one of the four wonders of the then known world. Altogether it boasted more than three hundred churches. It had been beautified by Greeks, Romans and Arabs at different periods, and was famous the world over. Its recapture from the Crusaders later on aroused intense feeling all over Europe, and was a considerable incentive in the starting of the Third Crusade. Here the army led by Godfrey of Bouillon and his brother Baldwin tarried for a time. Tripoli and Tyre, two cities of Phoenician origin, the latter destined to play an important part in the subsequent contests between Saracen and Crusader, came under Christian rule later on. Both were cities of consequence and Tyre, especially, had strong fortifications and splendid edifices. The bazaars of Beirut were so splendidly adorned Mukaddasi thought it must be for the arrival of the Sultan. Its gardens and orchards were so lovely one " might say each was a pleasance for a king." Of more consequence than any of these were certain cities still in Moslem control, and for the possession of which the Crusaders were busily making plans from the moment of their conquest of Jerusalem. Of these Aleppo was the subject of most frequent attack. "A n excellent, pleasant and well-fortified city," wrote Mukaddasi, " the inhabitants of which are cultured and rich and endowed with understanding." The houses were built of stone and protected by a wall three and a half miles in circumference, with seven