Contrary to its French name (‘Chastellet’ means ‘a small fort’), Vadum Iacob was once one of the biggest forts built by the Crusaders in the Holy Land. But shortly after its foundations were complete, it was conquered and destroyed by Saladin. Today, its remains are a testimony to the dramatic events during the Crusaders Period.
History and Archaeology of Chastellet
Chastellet Conquored by Saladin
Saladin was now determined to conquer and destroy the fort, whose main walls were complete by May 1179 CE. He summoned a large Muslim army and on August 1179 CE he laid siege on the site. Within six days a Muslim mining force managed to dig a tunnel under the northeastern corner of the castle, and once it was filled with wood and lit, the conflagration caused the tunnel and the wall above it to collapse. The Muslims pillaged the fort, killing about 800 Crusaders, and stuffing them into a pit. A few days later, the decaying bodies in heat of August afflicted a plague among the Muslim soldiers. This is perhaps why the Arabic name of the Chastellet is ‘Bayt al-Ahzan’ (=The House of Grief).
Chastellet Uncovered
Chastellet was surveyed in the 19th century, but only in 1994 an archaeological expedition from the Hebrew University, began excavating at the site. It seems that Chastellet was never completed. It was planned to be designed as a “castle in a castle” (like in Belvoir), but only the outer walls were completed when Saladin attacked it. Only 15% of the site was excavated so far, yet over 1200 arrowheads and other weapons attest to the dramatic battle. The archaeologists also uncovered a few skeletons, including of horses and other animals. One of the human skeletons was found with a bag of 160 silver coins on his chest. However, the pit where some 800 Crusaders were buried is still waiting to be discovered.
Earthquakes, which are not rare to the Jordan Valley, shifted some of fort’s walls about 7 feet.
Visiting Chastellet
A tour to Chastellet can be combined with in a day tour in the north.
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Additional Day Tours
Points of Interest in the Area
Jordan River Rapids | |
| Tel Hazor |
Rosh Pina | |
Golan Heights |