Karak

(KIR MOAB -means: Wall of Moab). The Biblical references are (I1 Kings 16:9); (Isaiah 15:1, 22:6); (Amos 1 :5, 9:7). It was also called KIR HERES or HARESETH and mentioned in (I1 Kings 3:25); (Isaiah 16:7-11); (Jeremiah 48:31-36). The Greco-Roman name was Kharkha (Greek for Town) or Charach Moba. It was one of the cities of the Provincia Arabia. The Byzantine name was Karak (Karko -Syriac for Fortress) and retained a Bishop see. There are remains of several churches and a cathedral, as well as colonnaded streets and fortified walls with towers. During Crusader times Paganus, lord of Shobak, built this Crusader castle (Le Krak de Moab) in 11 36. It withstood several onslaughts by Saladin, but eventually surrendered to him.

Today the Crusader castle is one of the most impressive ruins in Jordan. Its mighty towers are awe striking, its numerous rooms are fascinating and its view of the Dead Sea is breath taking.