Crusader Castles
Christian Fortresses in the Middle East
The Library of the Middle Ages
For many of us, the Crusades defines the Middle Ages. These holy wars took place over hundreds of years, and took the lives of many crusaders. In their attempt to conquer the Holy Land and to protect themselves from the surrounding Islamic states, the crusaders built many castles throughout the Middle East, usually on commanding heights or at crucial crossroads of trade.