Qasr Al Azraq

A large fortress located in present-day eastern Jordan. It is one of the desert castles, located on the outskirts of present-day Azraq. Its strategic value came from the nearby oasis, the only water source in a vast desert region, the name of the fortress and associated town came from it. The castle is constructed of the local black basalt and is a square structure with 80 metreslong walls encircling a large central courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard is a small mosque. At each corner of the outer wall, there is an oblong tower. The main entrance is composed of a single massive, hinged slab of granite, which leads to a vestibule where one can see carved into the pavement the remains of a Roman board game.