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Description

Evidence suggests that the Crusader Castle of Showbak was the first major structure to be built in the area, making it unique from a historical perspective as almost every other site in Jordan shows evidence of previous occupation.

Constructed by the Crusader King Baldwin of Jerusalem in 1115 ACE to protect the Crusader Kingdoms from its Muslim enemies in the region, the castle was named Crack de Montreal (The Fortress of the Royal Mount).

The location stood over excellent water supply and was heavily wooded along the King’s Highway, an important road for pilgrims during the Middle Ages.

The castle held out for two years the famous Battle of Hittin and finally fell to the forces of Salah Al-Din in 1189 ACE.

Not much remains of the original castle as both the Ayyoubids and the Mamluks expanded it and strengthened its fortifications. The castle also served as an administrative center for a period of time.
In the 16th century, Showbak managed to win its independence from the Ottomans through to the 19th Century, when they managed to reestablish control after Ibrahim pasha had destroyed the castle on his retreat back to Egypt (1840 ACE). The villagers slowly started to move into the ruins of the castle and lived there until the 1950’s.

Description

Evidence suggests that the Crusader Castle of Showbak was the first major structure to be built in the area, making it unique from a historical perspective as almost every other site in Jordan shows evidence of previous occupation.

Constructed by the Crusader King Baldwin of Jerusalem in 1115 ACE to protect the Crusader Kingdoms from its Muslim enemies in the region, the castle was named Crack de Montreal (The Fortress of the Royal Mount).

The location stood over excellent water supply and was heavily wooded along the King’s Highway, an important road for pilgrims during the Middle Ages.

The castle held out for two years the famous Battle of Hittin and finally fell to the forces of Salah Al-Din in 1189 ACE.

Not much remains of the original castle as both the Ayyoubids and the Mamluks expanded it and strengthened its fortifications. The castle also served as an administrative center for a period of time.
In the 16th century, Showbak managed to win its independence from the Ottomans through to the 19th Century, when they managed to reestablish control after Ibrahim pasha had destroyed the castle on his retreat back to Egypt (1840 ACE). The villagers slowly started to move into the ruins of the castle and lived there until the 1950’s.