Most of Jordan's crusader castles such as Kerak, Ajlun and Shoubak were built by the crusaders in the early 12th century to protect the Crusader lands for the Arabs. After Salah ad-Din expelled the invading crusaders later in the 12th century the castles were used to defend the Arab territory. Today, many of the castles have been partially restored and show evidence of both Crusader and Arab occupation. They are some of the finest works of military architecture in the middle-east, and their commanding positions offers great views over the surrounding countryside form the battlements.