City of Sidon

Subject: City of Sidon Mon Nov 03, 2008 4:00 pm

Crusader Cities

Sidon (Saida):
4km south of Beirut

Town and lordship owned by Julian of Sidon who sold it to Templars (1260). Abandoned (14/7/1290) when attacked by large Mameluke army.

Crusader castle (Qasr-al-Bahr - “Sea Castle”), situated on small island on site of former temple, and connected to mainland by Arab fortified stone bridge. Destroyed by Mamelukes - ruins include: east tower, roman columns, west tower.

Castle of St. Louis (Qalat el-Muizz) - built atop fortress in 13th century by King Louis IX.

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"For my part, I adhere to the maxim of antiquity: The throne is a glorious sepulchre."