A strong and valiant Mussulman garrison was defending St.Jean d'Acre.

Saladin manoeuvred incessantly for its relief, and several battles had already been fought beneath the walls.
When the King of France arrived, he was received by the Christians besieging," say the chronicles of St.Denis, "with supreme joy, as if he were an angel come down from heaven.".

Philip set vigorously to work to push on the siege; but at his departure he had promised Richard not to deliver the grand assault until they had formed a junction before the place with all their forces.

Richard, who had set out from Messina at the beginning of May, though he had said that he would not be ready till August, lingered again on the way to reduce the island of Cyprus, and to celebrate there his marriage with Berengaria of Navarre, in lieu of Alice of France.

At last he arrived, on the 7th of June, before St.Jean d'Acre; and several assaults in succession were made on the place with equal determination on the part of the besiegers and the besieged.