Examines the development and role of Muslim fortresses in the Levant at the time of the Crusaders and the Mongol invasion. Exploring the unification of Egypt with a large part of Syria and its effect on the balance of power in the region, this book gives a historical overview of the resulting military strategies and construction of fortresses.

During much of the twelfth century the Crusaders dominated the military scene in the Levant. The unification of Egypt and Syria by Saladin gradually changed the balance of power, which slowly begun to tilt in favour of the Muslims. This book examines the development and role of Muslim fortresses in the Levant at the time of the Crusaders and the Mongol invasion, situating the study within a broad historical, political and military context.