Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the Crusader strongholds in the region, includ-
ing those of Oultrejordain (meaning 'across the
Jordan'). The Damascus-based Ayyubids,
members of Saladin's family, squabbled over
his empire on his death in 1193, enabling the
Crusaders to recapture much of their former
(Restorer of the Faith), a Kurdish scholar and milit-
ary leader.
territory along the coast.
The Ayyubids were replaced by the Mamluks, who seized control of the area east of the
Jordan River and rebuilt the castles at Karak, Shobak and Ajloun. They used these strong-
holds as lookouts and as a series of staging posts for message-carrying pigeons. Indeed,
thanks to the superior communications that this unique strategy afforded, you could argue
that the Crusaders were defeated not by the military might of Islam but on the wings of
their peace-loving doves.
