description Montreal Castle Overview
Montreal Castle, also called Shobak Castle, is a Crusader fortress in southern Jordan near the town of Shobak and the Petra region. Baldwin I of Jerusalem founded it in 1115 on a hill overlooking routes across the desert, and it was later occupied and modified by Ayyubid and Mamluk rulers. The surviving ruins include defensive walls and remains of religious and residential buildings.
help Montreal Castle FAQ
Where is Montreal Castle, also called Shobak?
Montreal Castle is the Crusader fortress of Shobak in southern Jordan. It stands about 25 kilometres north of Petra on a hill controlling historic desert routes.
Who built Montreal Castle?
King Baldwin I of Jerusalem founded the castle in 1115 during the expansion of the Crusader states. Its original name was Montreal, meaning Royal Mountain.
Why was Shobak Castle built in the desert?
The fortress helped protect Crusader settlements and monitor caravan movement between Syria, the Red Sea, and Egypt. Its isolated hilltop position gave the garrison visibility over a large stretch of surrounding terrain.
What happened to Montreal Castle after the Battle of Hattin?
After the Battle of Hattin on July 4, 1187, the garrison continued resisting for almost two years. The castle surrendered in spring 1189 to forces under al-Malik al-Adil.
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