The land of Karak Governorate was the home of the Kingdom of Moab, during the first millennium BC.

Their capital and stronghold is believed to be near the city of Al Karak, which was known as the Qir of Moab.

For a brief period of time, the territory came under Persian rule, then the Nabateans took control of it, until the Romans invaded the Levant and occupied their capital, Petra.

In the 4th century, a Roman legion, the Legio IV Martia, had a headquarter fortress at Betthorus (now el-Lejjun) in Karak.

Wadi Mujib, biblically known as Arnon River, flows through the mountains of Karak Governorate and ends in the Dead Sea.