Forty thousand were taken prisoners, and a vast number killed.

The whole country now lay open to the victors.

The advance of their army had been east of the Jordan.
It was clear that, before Asia Minor could be touched, the strong and important cities of Palestine, which was now in their rear, must be secured.

There was a difference of opinion among the generals in the field as to whether Caesarea or Jerusalem should be assailed first.

The matter was referred to the khalif, who, rightly preferring the moral advantages of the capture of Jerusalem to the military advantages of the capture of Caesarea, ordered the Holy City to be taken, and that at any cost.