'Medieval fortresses are regaining their military role in the Middle East'
Medieval fortresses in the Middle East are regaining their military role, with Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon being a prime example. The castle has a long and complex history, having been controlled by various groups including the Crusaders, Saladin, and the Mamluks. Its strategic importance has waxed and waned over the centuries, with it currently being a significant location in the region's geopolitical landscape.
- ▪Beaufort Castle was built by the Crusaders in 1139 after it was transferred to them by the Muslim emir of Damascus.
- ▪The castle was conquered by Saladin in 1192, but was returned to the Crusaders in 1240 due to internal quarrels among Saladin's descendants.
- ▪The castle regained military significance during the Lebanese civil war when fighters from the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and the Lebanese left settled there in 1976.
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| Original publisher | Le Monde (EN) |
| Canonical URL | https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/06/15/medieval-fortresses-are-regaining-their-military-role-in-the-middle-east_6754476_4.html |
| Publication time | Mon, 15 Jun 2026 01:34:43 +0200 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-06-14T23:37:33.709Z |
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The Crusades were not always a clash between a united Christian bloc and a unified Islamic bloc. In 1139, the Frankish king of Jerusalem and the Muslim emir of Damascus struck an agreement to counter the threat posed by Zengi, the champion of jihad who then controlled northern Syria. That is how a promontory overlooking southern Lebanon, rising 700 meters above its surroundings, was transferred by Damascus troops to the Crusaders, who built a "Beau Fort" ("Beautiful Fort") there. Read more Subscribers only Capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon is both a strategic asset and a historical burden for Israel Conquered by Saladin in 1192, the citadel was returned to the Crusaders in 1240 due to internal quarrels among Saladin's descendants.
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