Vaux Moise, also known as Al Wu’eira, is a ruined Crusader castle situated near the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. Constructed in 1116 CE under the orders of King Baldwin I of Jerusalem, it served as an outpost to the larger Montreal Castle (Shobak), approximately 25 kilometres to the north. Strategically positioned on a narrow ridge with steep, smooth sides overlooking Wadi Musa, the castle was designed to control the vital trade and communication routes between Cairo and Damascus, thereby securing the southern frontier of the Crusader kingdom. 

The architecture of Vaux Moise reflects typical Crusader military design, utilising the natural topography to enhance its defensive capabilities. Notable features include a gatehouse carved directly from solid rock, which guarded the bridge leading to the entrance. Despite its formidable defences, the castle fell to Saladin’s forces in 1188 CE, following the significant Crusader defeat at the Battle of Hattin. Today, the remnants of Vaux Moise offer valuable insights into Crusader fortifications and their strategic efforts to control key regions in the Levant.