[1] It served to protect the approach to other Ismaili castles in the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range (Jabal Ansariya) at a site controlling the trade routes to cities further inland such as Banyas.

[citation needed] He was a leader of the Syrian branch of the Shia Nizari Isma'ili sect, also known as the Assassins, and a figure in the history of the Crusades.

[1] Later levels were added by the Isma'ilis, Mamluks, and Ottomans,[citation needed] with most of the current remains dating back to Rashid and the Nizari construction phase of the 12th century.

[2] The castle was captured by the Assassins in 1141 from Sanqur,[clarification needed] who had held it on behalf of the Banu Munqidh of Shaizar, and was later refortified by Rashid al-Din Sinan.

[1] Later that year in September, the Nizaris allied with the victorious Mamluks to drive the Mongols out from Syria, reclaiming four of their castles, including Masyaf.