Ajloun, Medieval fortress and archaeological museum in Ajloun, Jordan.
Ajloun is a city featuring a medieval castle perched on a hilltop approximately 719 meters above sea level. The structure displays four corner towers linked by protective walls with arrow slits, and an attached museum houses artifacts spanning multiple historical periods.
The castle was built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, a relative of Saladin, to protect trade routes and communication lines between Damascus and Jerusalem. The fortress helped repel attackers during the Crusader era when this region faced constant military pressure.
The name Ajloun comes from an ancient family that once settled here. The castle and old town together form a place where history is visible in stone and architecture, showing layers of different civilizations that shaped this hilltop community.
The best way to explore the site is on foot, walking through the pathways between towers and into the various rooms. The paths can be steep and shade is limited, so wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water is recommended.
The museum displays Bronze Age pottery, Roman glassware, Byzantine mosaics, and Mamluk stone inscriptions that document the region's artistic development across centuries. This collection allows visitors to trace how different cultures flourished one after another in this location.
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