Things to see and do Iraq Al-Amir

This castle, built in the 2nd century BC, probably during the first quarter, is the main attraction of Iraq al-Amir. It was erected in a breathtaking landscape, in the heart of a natural amphitheater, in the middle of an artificial lake that has since dried up. The structure is spread over two levels and was equipped with cisterns that stored rainwater. The impressive size of the stone blocks with which the castle is built is remarkable. Some pieces weigh more than 20 tons. The building was however strongly damaged by the earthquake of 362. A team of French archaeologists set about restoring it in the early 1980s, attempting to partially reconstruct this giant 3D puzzle.

The northern part has a portico with two columns decorated with friezes representing giant animals, mainly lions and eagles. These sculptures show the influence of Greek and Persian art in the architecture of the time. The first floor was used as a pantry and as a quarter for the guards, while the upper floor was reserved for Hyrcanus.

The opinions of the historians are rather divergent as for the role of this fortress. Many believe that it was Tyros, the private residence of Hyrcanus of Jerusalem, a powerful leader of the Tobiad dynasty and governor of the province of Ammon in the empire of Alexander the Great. The historian and military leader Flavius Josephus describes a castle that may well be this one in his Antiquities of the Jews in the late first century. "Hyrcanus] also erected a strong castle, which he had built of white stone to the roof, and large animal figures were carved on it. He also dug caves of many furlongs (...); and he made large rooms in them, some for feasts, some for sleeping, some for living."

Qasr Al-Abd means "castle of the slave". This name refers to Hyrcanus himself, who as governor was "the slave of the people". But a local legend tells a different story: this palace was built by a slave named Tobiah, who was in love with his master's daughter. While the master was away on a long journey, Tobiah built a palace and carved lions, panthers and eagles to show the master his love for his daughter. Unfortunately, the master returned to the castle before Tobiah could finish his work, and his efforts to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage were in vain. There are variations to this story.

On the heights of Iraq Al-Amir, there is an alignment of eleven chutes caves on several levels, forming a deep gallery along the cliff. They probably served as a stables, stables for goats and barn. There were inscriptions in Aramaic, especially above the entrance of a cellar, where the word «tobiade» is engraved, confirming the hypothesis that the castle was built by this family. They probably gave their names to the village because literally Iraq al Amir means «the caves of the prince».