powered by FreeFind	Kochav Hayarden (Belvoir) 96 pictures     4 minutes HQ video An impressive Crusader fortress was built at this site, close to the remains of an ancient Jewish town named "Kochav" (a star). Much time and effort was required by the Muslim forces headed by Saladin, to capture Belvoir, and only in 1189, one-and-a-half years after the battle of Hittin, did the defenders surrender and leave for Tyre. In 1220, the ruler of Damascus sent his men to destroy the fortress in order to prevent its re-annexation by the Crusaders. In the 18th century, the Arab village Kaukab el-Hawa (meaning "star of the winds") was established on the ruins of the fortress, and in May 1948, during the War of Independence, it was conquered by the Golani Brigade, after defeating an Iraqi force on the slopes below. The Fortress Geographic Description "It is but a nest of eagles and the dwelling place of the moon." This is how Muslim historians of the 12th century CE described the Crusader fortress of Belvoir. The fortress stands on the basalt terrain of western lower Galilee, at the edge of a plateau, at an altitude of 312m above sea level, overlooking the Jordan Valley some 550m below. Historic Background Twenty one years of history (1168-1189) sufficed for the builders of the fortress and the men who lived within its walls, to leave us with interesting and very impressive remains. In 1168, the Hospitaller Knights purchased these lands from a French noble family named Velos. They built a spectacular fortress which spread over 3 acres and is considered to be one of their greatest architectural achievements. Life here ran along a steady course under the various commanding officers of the Hospitaller Order. Belvoir was free of any battle for over 10 years. But in the 1180's it underwent drastic change and upheaval, when the forces of the famed general Saladin came "knocking on the gates" of the Crusader Kingdom… In the heavy battles which ensued in the region in the years 1181-1183, the Muslims were unable to penetrate the fortress. Even when the First Crusader Kingdom fell, after the crushing defeat at Hittin in 1187, the Hospitaller Knights at Belvoir did not surrender, and continued holding the fortress during the protracted siege. The Muslims had conquered Jerusalem, the Crusaders' capital city, Acre, their largest port-city, and their huge fort in Safed. Yet, they did not manage to subdue the Belvoir knights… Only in 1189, having withstood the Arab siege for one-and-a-half years, did the Muslims succeed in undermining the eastern walls of the fortress, and the besieged knights agreed to surrender. This marked the end of the brief history of Belvoir fortress, that earned the name of Coquet (meaning "dandy" in French), Belvoir or Belvader ("fine view" in French and Latin). The Outer Fortress This fortress included the moat, towers, gates and the covered inner courtyards. The Moat The moat was the first obstacle with which an attacking army would be confronted as it charged the gates. Here, a 10m deep and 20m wide moat surrounded the fortress on the northern, southern and western flanks and its function was to prevent direct assault on the fortress. On the eastern slope, a huge tower - the "barbican" - was erected. The Main Gate Lime stones can be seen adorning the wall of the outer gate, distinguishing it from the dark, local basalt stones used in the background. One can still see the doorposts and square grooves, aligned opposite one another in the walls, for the bolts to be properly secured. Note the deliberate use of different stones - the basalt lintel and limestone arch. The harder, basalt rock was used in the more vulnerable areas, while the softer easier-to-use limestone was utilized wherever possible. An assaulting army that penetrated the outer gate would have to make its way along a difficult, well protected path, towards the inner gate. As you climb up the path, note the wall on your left, with the remains of 3 out of the original 7 arrow slits. These carefully sited loopholes demonstrate the excellent planning, which allowed the defenders control over the path and gateway. The Inner Eastern Gate This fortified gate was the last hurdle before entering the fortress. It was protected by double wooden doors, reinforced with iron and a groove above from which hot oil could be poured onto the assailants. Arrow slits pointing towards the entrance on either side of the gate gave added protection. The groove, hinges and bolts can still be seen. The Outer Fortress Vaults Having passed through the gate, we enter a network of corridors - originally covered - which surrounded the inner fortress. This broad southern vault, which probably served as stables and storerooms, is 6-7m wide. On some of the walls one can still see the edges of the arches that supported the roof. Guards standing on the rooftop, protected the curtain wall. The Water Cistern and Bathhouse Several structures within the vaulted area have remained. One of them is a cistern, inside of which one may still see part of the ceiling and plastered walls that prevented evaporation. Rain water drained from the roofs through clay pipes into the cistern. Remains of a bathhouse were discovered close by. It is important - and interesting - to note that all members of the Crusader Orders were required to shower and shave (!), a rather uncommon demand during that period… North Eastern Corner Tower Enter the tower, and you will be in one of the four corner towers of the outer wall. This tower is square and protruded 5m from the wall, thus enabling excellent control and a good firing range to the moat and the foot of the wall. The tower was built of basalt stones, with its base strengthened by a sloping glacis of smooth-faced masonry, making it difficult to undermine. Since the circumference of the outer walls is 480m, the four corner towers did not suffice in providing full protection, and three extra towers were therefore built in the middle of each flank. As you continue westward you will pass one such tower. The Inner Fortress This is a 40 x 40m stronghold, with a tower at each of its corner. The keep, also known as the "donjon", served as an independent unit, where the defenders could withstand a siege after the fall of the outer fortress, thereby forming a double line of defence, providing extra cover, support and protection to the outer wall. The Inner Western Gate This was the main entrance to the keep. It is composed to two sets of gates, a gatehouse and a tower. The gates are built in the "bent entrance" of hairpin fashion, forcing intruders to make a 90o turn in order to enter. Here, too, we note the hinged niches, bolt grooves and arrow slits, all adding protection to the gate. An interesting feature found here is a decorated stone removed from the ancient synagogue of the nearby Jewish village of Kochav and used as a building stone. It can be seen at the bottom of the doorpost. Vaults of the Inner Fortress From the gatehouse we continue to the halls of the keep. Their relatively good state of preservation enables us to imagine how they were used some 800 years ago. In these cool, high-ceilinged rooms, the Crusader knights would sit around a burning fire in the cold months of winter. Some of the rising smoke would pass through the opening in the roof, the rest would disperse in the room and mix with the smell of the burning torches and candles that lit the halls… These barrel vaults were used as living quarters for the garrison, storerooms and dining halls. A kitchen with its three ovens and their flues is easily identifiable in the eastern wing. The Central Court ("Bailey") A square, paved courtyard, 22 x 22m, formed the heart of the fortress. The court had its own cistern and wash area. A staircase in its western corner led to the second floor, which was the most important area of the fortress, also called "donjon". Lavish buildings which probably served as an assembly hall, living quarters and chamber of the fortress' commander were found here. Particularly impressive are the remains of a chapel built of delicately chiselled white limestone. Mason marks were left on some of the stones by the artisans. Some statues and reliefs were uncovered in this section of the fortress. The Postern (Sally Port) Walking from the inner fortress towards the bridge, we continue to the south-western corner tower. A hidden staircase within this tower leads down to the moat. These steps and secret opening enabled undetected exit from the fortress during siege. A "gate" of this sort, known as a postern, was used by the defending knights to sally and harass the besieging army. Back to Israel Index