Tower of Flies

The Tower of Flies (Latin: Turris Muscarum)[1][2] was a formidable guard tower/fort at the medieval city-port of Acre, Israel, which overlooked the harbour from a small island and protected the city's rich maritime trade.

[6] The ancient watchtower has been a key feature in the city's armour against foreign attacks, particularly at sea.

Conrad of Montferrat tried to take the city of Acre during the Third Crusade by attacking the Tower of Flies but adverse winds and rocks below the surface prevented his ship getting close enough.

In 1267, Genoa managed to capture the tower and blockade the harbour for twelve days before the Venetians evicted them.

[7] During the times of Jazzar Pasha, the Ottoman ruler of Acre in the late 18th century, a huge chain was used to secure entrance in and out of the harbour.