|  The
ruined crusader castle of Jacob’s Ford / Vadum Iacob
is located in the north of Israel. Although not as well-known
as other historical remains in the country, the site has
played an important role in the crusader history of the
Middle East.
The castle held a strategic spot overlooking the only crossing
of the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee located on the
main branch of the Via Maris leading to Damascus. It was
used as a major intersection of Christian Palestine and
Muslim Syria. In the 12th century, the crusader King Baldwin
and the famous Islamic leader Saladin, caliph of Egypt and
Syria, continued to battle over the area of Jacob’s
Ford, which eventually led to the complete destruction of
the fortress in 1179.
Baldwin and his crusaders took over the area in October
1178 and immediately began the construction of the castle.
It was built as a huge rectangle of 20,000 stones with enormous
walls; a perfect protection against any intruders from Syria.
During Baldwin’s construction of the site, Saladin
became fully aware that he would have to overcome Baldwin’s
fortress if he wanted to protect Syria and conquer Jerusalem.
Saladin tried to bribe Baldwin a couple of times, offering
large sums in return for a halt of the construction, but
to no avail.
In summer 1179, Saladin decided to march against the fortress
and to lay a siege. His troops dug hidden tunnels, which
eventually were set on fire, causing the destruction of
the stone walls. After a week-long siege, Saladin’s
army conquered the fortress, killing 800 knights, workers
and architects, and another 700 were taken captive. After
the battle was won, Saladin ordered to destroy the fortress
completely. Details of the siege and destruction can be
found in the Latin and Muslim medieval writings. The castle
had not even survived a full year before its complete destruction,
making it a rare archaeological site.
The site is being excavated today not only by archaeologists
but also by geologists. Jacob’s Ford is of geological
interest, as the castle was deformed during a major earthquake
in the region in 1202. In the summertime, tourists, students
and interested filmmakers can join the dig. For more information
follow this link: http://vadumiacob.huji.ac.il/index.html
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