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Qal‘at Bani Qahtan (Castle of Bani Qahtan) was originally constructed by the Byzantines in 1030 CE. It was later seized by the Crusaders in 1111 CE, before falling under the control of the mountain communities in 1131 CE. Eventually, it was reclaimed by Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin) during his campaigns to liberate the region.
Unlike many fortresses of the period, the structure is believed to have served more as a residential palace for a local prince rather than a heavily fortified military stronghold.
