Al-Karak

Al-Karak (Arabic: الكرك), in English sources often simply Karak, is a city in Jordan known for its medieval Kerak Castle, which is one of the three largest in the region, the other two being in Syria. Al-Karak is the capital city of the Karak Governorate. Al-Karak lies 140 kilometres (87 mi) to the south of Amman on the ancient King's Highway. It is situated on a hilltop about 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level and is surrounded on three sides by a valley. Al-Karak has a view of the Dead Sea. A city of about 32,216 people (2005) was formed around castle. The town is built on a triangular plateau with the castle at its narrow southern tip.