Located on the old King's Highway, Kerak was once the capital of the Biblical kingdom of Moab. It was also home to the Nabateans, Romans, and Byzantines before the Crusaders began construction of their castle in the 1140s. Strategically located between Egypt and Syria during the Ottoman period, Kerak Castle also became the most important fortress between Jerusalem and Aqaba as it was a single day's journey from one fort to the next. At night, each fortress lit a beacon to inform Jerusalem it was safe from attack. Kerak resisted invasion several times, but finally fell after an assault in 1189. Today, the percentage of Christians in Kerak City is among the highest in Jordan.
We arrived late, as the castle was closing, and were initially denied entrance; but after some eyelash batting and smooth Arabic talking by a friend, we were allowed 10 quick minutes to look around the perimeter. Maybe next time....
Random fact: Kerak's twin city is Birmingham, Alabama
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