CRUSADER CASTLE The Desert Fortress of Kerak

The formidable strongholds constructed by the crusaders rank among the most iconic castles of the Middle Ages. These imposing fortifications provide valuable insight into the experiences of those who built, occupied, and defended them, as well as into the region’s long history of conflict. Among them, the castle of Kerak—located in present-day Jordan—stands out as one of the largest, most imposing, and best preserved. Michael Fulton’s detailed, authoritative, and richly illustrated study serves as an ideal guide to this remarkable site. His close examination of the castle’s architectural fabric, together with his account of the centuries of warfare associated with it, offers compelling and informative reading.
Fulton traces the early military history of Kerak from its construction in the 1140s by Pagan the Butler, through the provocative campaigns of Reynald of Châtillon, to Saladin’s capture of the fortress in 1188. He further outlines the castle’s later history under Muslim rule, when it functioned as a treasury for the Ayyubid and Mamluk sultans of Egypt. Although Kerak declined under Ottoman administration, it has since regained prominence as a significant heritage and tourist site.
A systematic, component-by-component analysis of the castle and the surviving elements of the adjoining medieval town enables readers to understand the various phases in the development of this extraordinary complex and to visualise its evolution and operation over time. This comprehensive architectural guide will be an invaluable reference for visitors to Kerak as well as for those seeking a thorough understanding of the site from afar.