Saladin's Forgotten Siege: The Conquest of Kerak Castle

In 1187, after his crushing victory at Hattin, Saladin turned his attention to the Crusader stronghold of Kerak, a massive castle east of the Jordan River. This episode unpacks the siege of Kerak, its strategic importance as a fortress of the Crusader lords of Oultrejordain, and the dramatic events that unfolded when Saladin's forces breached its walls. We explore the castle's role in earlier Crusader history, including the famous siege of 1183 when Saladin's attack was thwarted by the arrival of King Baldwin IV—the leper king. Now, in 1187, the tables had turned. Lucas and Luna discuss the castle's formidable defenses, the role of the local Muslim forces, and the fate of its defenders, including the wife of Reynald de Châtillon. They also consider the broader significance of Kerak's fall for the Kingdom of Jerusalem and the Crusader states, touching on the castle's later history under Mamluk rule and its eventual ruin. A focused look at a pivotal but often overlooked siege. #Saladin #KerakCastle #CrusaderHistory #SiegeOfKerak #Oultrejordain #ReynaldDeChatillon #BaldwinIV #Ayyubid #CrusaderStates #Hattin #Mamluk #SiegeWarfare #MedievalCastle #MiddleEastHistory #History #FexingoHistory #Podcast #SiegeOf1187 #AyyubidDynasty #Crusades Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo