Desert castles

These are 3 castles built in the desert east of Amman. They are old, built by different people's and for different purposes.
Pictures 1&2 are of Harana fortress that they think dates to the 7th century . It is built along the eastern trade route from the Red Sea to Syria and beyond. The structure appears to be for security: Protecting caravans on their way. It also appears to have functioned as a caravanserai, a minor trade point and short term storage site for goods in transit.
Pictures 3&4 are of Qasr Amra. This was described as having been built in the 8th century more as a rest stop or even a resort for wealthy Arabs of the time who wanted to spend some time in the desert. It is unusual in that it contains frescos of animals, plants and people. It is doubly unusual in that many people are naked. Most of these are related to the bath house.
Pictures 5&6 are of Azraq fortress. This one was built by the Romans to protect their eastern border. It was maintained and modified by the successive controlling powers. For example, the square building in the 5th picture is a mosque built during the Islamic period. The castle was used continually until modern times. Lawrence of Arabia slept here during one journey from Arabia to Damascus during the British Mandate in the 20th century.Read more