In the 12th and 13th century Byblos became part of the County of Tripoli, a Crusader state connected to, but largely independent from, the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.
As Gibelet or Giblet, it came under the rule of the Genoese Embriaco family, who created for themselves  the Lordship of Gibelet.
Their residence, the Crusader castle of Gibelet, along with the fortified town, served as an important military base for the Crusaders.
The remains of the castle are among the most impressive architectural structures now visible in the town centre.
The town was taken by Saladin in 1187, re-taken by the Crusaders, conquered by Baibars in 1266, but it remained in the possession of the Embriacos until around 1300.
Having voluntarily surrendered to the Mamluks, the city was relatively spared from looting following its capture.
Its fortifications were subsequently restored.
From 1516 until 1918, the town and the whole region became part of the Ottoman Empire.
In the 12th and 13th century Byblos became part of the County of Tripoli, a Crusader state connected to, but largely independent from, the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem. As Gibelet or Giblet, it came under the rule of the Genoese Embriaco family, who created for themselves  the Lordship of Gibelet. Their residence, the Crusader castle of Gibelet, along with the fortified town, served as an important military base for the Crusaders. The remains of the castle are among the most impressive architectural structures now visible in the town centre. The town was taken by Saladin in 1187, re-taken by the Crusaders, conquered by Baibars in 1266, but it remained in the possession of the Embriacos until around 1300. Having voluntarily surrendered to the Mamluks, the city was relatively spared from looting following its capture. Its fortifications were subsequently restored. From 1516 until 1918, the town and the whole region became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Byblos