Many kings and people joined them, and contributed money; and many private persons fought under them at their own expense; so great was the influence of religion in those days upon the minds of men, excited by the example of those who were its principal ministers.

The proudest successes attended the beginning of this enterprise; for the whole of Asia Minor, Syria, and part of Egypt, fell under the power of the Christians.

To commemorate these events the order of the Knights of Jerusalem was created, which still continues, and holds the island of Rhodes--the only obstacle to the power of the Mohammedans.

The same events gave rise to the order of the Knights Templars, which, after a short time, on account of their shameless practices, was dissolved.

Various fortunes attended the crusaders in the course of their enterprises, and many nations and individuals became celebrated accordingly.