Migdal Afeq, aka Mirabel of the Crusaders; topographical location of the medieval castle, from a distance, central Israel - Fotografia de stock

The site of Migdal Afeq is of strategic importance as it is situated at the high eastern end of the Afeq Pass. The site is already mentioned by Josephus (second Temple period) as 'a tower called Aphek', a fortress used by the Jewish rebels against the Romans during the Jewish War of 66-70 CE. The fortress on the top of Migdal Afeq / Mirabel, was buit by the Crusaders at this very same place in the early 12th century. Later, in the 18th century, the Ottomans rebuilt it on Crusader remains. In the background, the city of Rosh HaAyin.