Alex
The weaponry storage area of Ajloun Castle is a fascinating space that reflects the strategic military planning of the Ayyubid period. Located within the robust stone walls of the fortress, this chamber was used to store various defensive tools, most notably large round stones that were hurled at enemies using catapults and other siege engines. The stones, typically smooth and of uniform size, were carefully stacked and kept ready for immediate use during attacks. Their presence underscores the castle’s defensive purpose, as Ajloun was built in 1184 by Izz al-Din Usama, a general of Saladin, to protect against Crusader incursions and safeguard nearby iron mines.
The chamber itself is built with thick limestone walls and a vaulted ceiling, maintaining a cool, stable environment to preserve weaponry. Its strategic placement within the castle ensured quick access during battle, allowing defenders to resupply the parapets efficiently. Today, visitors can still see piles of these ancient stones arranged in neat clusters, offering a vivid glimpse into medieval warfare and the advanced military architecture of the time. The weaponry storage area not only adds depth to Ajloun Castle’s historical narrative but also emphasises the site’s role as a formidable stronghold in the defence of northern Jordan.
