← Explore on the interactive map

Crusader Castles

Type Object Region Levant Time c. 1099–1291

Stone castles and castle chains built by the Latins in the Levant, such as Krak des Chevaliers, Belvoir, and Kerak, combining Western European and By…

Timeline

  1. c. 1140–1220Levantine coast and highlands · LevantThe Knights Hospitaller built concentric ring forts and cisterns at Krak des Chevaliers, Margat, and elsewhere, while the Teutonic Knights and Knights Templar held fortresses along the Jordan Valley, forming a chain of castles defending the heartland of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
  2. 1231–1240Krak des Chevaliers and Belvoir · SyriaAfter the Sixth Crusade, Frederick II and Sultan al-Kamil concluded a ten-year truce; castles of the Latin fiefs maintained standing garrisons and grain stores, the castle chain becoming the strongest defensive nodes along the truce frontier, while also managing customs duties and escorting pilgrims.
  3. c. 1260–1291Levant · LevantMamluk sultans such as Baybars captured Crusader castles one by one; Krak des Chevaliers fell in 1271, Belvoir fell in 1271, and after the fall of Acre in 1291 the Latin castle system in the Levant ended, with most fortresses passing to the Mamluks and continuing in use.

Sources