Belvoir Fortress
Knights Hospitaller · Jordan Valley, Israel · 1168
Belvoir Fortress, or Kawkab al-Hawa in Arabic, is a Crusader fortress constructed by the Knights Hospitaller. Completed by 1168, it exemplifies the concentric castle design, a significant innovation in military architecture. This design features an inner and outer wall, with the outer wall higher than the inner, offering multiple layers of defense and enhanced protection against siege warfare. Strategically located on a bluff overlooking the Jordan Valley, the fortress commanded a key route, offering panoramic views and control over the surrounding territory. Its robust construction and sophisticated defensive layout allowed it to withstand sieges for extended periods, making it a prominent example of Crusader military engineering in the Levant.