"Kingdom of Heaven" a Al Karak Travel Page by antistar

The Crusader stronghold of Kerak was built in the 12th century and was a pivotal part of the defence of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. It was the focus of many attacks, including the sieges depicted in the movie Kingdom of Heaven. It was started as a means of controlling the local Bedouin herders, and the trade route to Damascus. It finished with its capture by Saladin, after the Battle of Hattin, depicted in the movie, in 1189.

It's a classic example of a Crusader castle, mixing European, Byzantine and Arab architecture. It juts out magnificently above the small city below, and it's location high in the mountains, about a thousand meters above sea level, affords great views of the rolling hills that surround it. It's position on the Kings Highway also makes the journey to it a breathtaking one.