 The castle was under the control of the Knights Templar and was never taken in siege due to its excellent location and design and its ability to be resupplied by sea.It was besieged in 1220 by the Ayyubids, under the command of al-Malik al-Mu'azzam.It came under siege by the Mamluks under Sultan Baybars in 1265, during which the settlement of 'Atlit was destroyed.