The area for Qalaat Al Rahbeh was first chosen by the Abbassids, who built a small fortification here. Then under Nur Al Din it was rebuilt to guard the Euphrates in the Crusader period. It survived for over a century and it was used by the Mamelukes. However the destruction incurred on it by the Mongols in 1260 and 1400, left it abandoned and useless. 

Known as Rahbet Malik Ibn Touk in Arabic, this castle, whose masonry was not very solid is now withering away and crumbling to pieces in the strong desert winds. A joint French - Syrian archaeological mission has been excavating the castle since 1978.