Crusader states (Franks) and military orders

The Principality of Antioch (1098–1268) reached south to Laodicea (Latakia); Raymond of Toulouse, founder of the County of Tripoli (1102–1289), captured Tartus (Tortosa). Tancred took Apamea.

Sources and details

The Hospitallers built Krak des Chevaliers between 1142 and 1271 and bought Margat in 1186, making it their Syrian headquarters until it surrendered to Qalawun in 1285. The Templars held Chastel Blanc at Safita by 1152 until Baibars took it in 1271; Saone (Qal'at Salah ed-Din) shows Frankish alterations of the late 12th century.

After the fall of Acre in 1291, Arwad was garrisoned and awarded to the Templars; it surrendered on 26 September 1302 under a promise of safe conduct that was not honoured.

Sites connected with this community 8

• Qalaat al-MadiqHama · Castles & fortresses

  Qal'at al-Madiq at Apamea, taken by Tancred.

• Krak des ChevaliersHoms · Castles & fortresses

  Krak des Chevaliers, built by the Hospitallers 1142–1271 (UNESCO).

• Citadel of Salah Ed-DinLatakia · Castles & fortresses

  Saone, with Frankish alterations (UNESCO).

• ArwadTartus · Archaeological sites

  Arwad, last Crusader-Templar foothold, fell 1302.

• Cathedral of Our Lady of TortosaTartus · Churches & monasteries

  Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa in Tartus, the town captured by Raymond of Toulouse; now Tartus Museum.

• Chastel BlancTartus · Castles & fortresses

  Chastel Blanc (Safita), Templar keep.

• MargatTartus · Castles & fortresses

  Margat, Hospitaller headquarters 1186–1285.

• Tartus Museum (Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa)Tartus, Tartus · Museums

  Tartus Museum housed in the Tortosa cathedral.

Sources (6)

1. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal'at Salah El-Din
2. Wikipedia, Arwad (secondary pointer; cites Lipinski 2004, Demurger, Barber)
3. Wikipedia, Crusader states (secondary pointer)
4. Wikipedia, Margat (secondary pointer)
5. Wikipedia, Chastel Blanc (secondary pointer)
6. Wikipedia, Apamea, Syria (secondary pointer)