Crusader Castles

Crusader castles were fortifications built by European Christians during the Crusades, a series of religious wars from the late 11th to the 13th centuries aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land from Muslim control. These castles, often strategically placed in the Levant (modern-day Israel, Lebanon, and Syria), combined military architecture with local styles. They served as military strongholds, administrative centers, and symbols of power, featuring thick walls, towers, and moats for defense. Notable examples include the Krak des Chevaliers in Syria and the Castle of Sidon. Their legacy reflects the complex interactions between cultures during this tumultuous period.