The story of Karak begins in antiquity when it thrived as a central Arab Nabataean settlement. Numerous Nabataean reliefs and sculptures survive, bearing testimony to this era. During Roman rule, the city was renamed Characmoba and flourished as a regional centre. Later, in the Byzantine period, Karak emerged as a diocesan town and was even depicted as a fortified city on the famous Madaba mosaic map.

By the time of the Crusades, Karak Castle had become central to the Lordship of Oultrejordain. Pagan, Lord of Oultrejordain, shifted his power base to Karak, reinforcing its defences and cementing its strategic importance. The construction of deep, rock-cut ditches and the addition of towers by Pagan’s successors fortified the castle further, while its impressive arched halls remain some of the finest Crusader architectural features surviving today.

During the mid-12th century, Karak came into the possession of Raynald of Châtillon, whose audacious raids on trade caravans and even attempts to strike at Mecca provoked the attention of Saladin. The mighty Sultan besieged the castle twice, in 1183 and 1184; however, the Crusaders managed to defend it both times with reinforcements. It was not until 1188, during a third siege led by Saladin’s nephew Sa’d al-Din, that Karak finally succumbed. Cut off from supplies and left with no reinforcements, the fortress surrendered after several months, marking a pivotal moment in the Crusades.

The site’s significance continued under the Ayyubid dynasty when it served as the administrative centre for Jordan’s regions. By 1263, under Mamluk rule, Sultan Baibars expanded the fortress further, adding a tower on the northwest corner. The Mamluks retained Karak as an essential administrative and military post.

During the Ottoman era, Karak Castle played a key role due to its position at the crossroads of the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, and Greater Syria. By the late 19th century, it housed a garrison of 1,400 soldiers, safeguarding vital trade routes and serving as a strategic administrative base. Parts of the castle were repurposed during this time, reflecting its continuous adaptation for use through the centuries.

Even in modern times, the castle’s story continues, albeit tragically. On 18 December 2016, Karak was the site of a terrorist attack, resulting in the deaths of 14 people and injuries to 34 others. This sombre event added a contemporary chapter to the castle’s long and layered history.

Today, Karak Castle stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and conflict of the many civilisations that once called it their stronghold. From its Nabataean roots to its role in Crusader and Islamic history, the castle invites visitors to explore its halls and uncover the stories etched into every stone. It is a place where history comes alive, surrounded by the echoes of its grand and turbulent past.