sources are vague, but it is likely that st. george's church fell into disrepair during the early decades of islamic rule, and that unfavorable circumstances for the christian population prevented them from rebuilding it. however, it was partially rebuilt with old materials by the crusaders, who conquered the area in 1099. the crusaders built a large courtyard building in jifna. it had a monumental gate with a portcullis, with a large vaulted hall and thick walls of fine masonry. after their defeat to the ayyubids under saladin in 1187, the church again fell into ruin. a document dated 1182 with the signature of one raymundus de jafenia, might indicate a christian presence at this time. according to the american biblical scholar edward robinson, there are remains of massive walls in the center of the village, now filled by houses. they were relics of a castle built by the crusaders. however, the masonry has no characteristics of the crusader period; rather, the remains display the arab architectural style of the post-crusader period, most likely of the 18th century, judging by the dressing of the stones.