In the beginning Ramallah was somewhat off the beaten track, away from the established highways and routes. This unstrategic position resulted in a comparatively late development of the area. At some time in the twelfth century the Crusaders settled in Ramallah for about one hundred years, calling the area 'Ramelie,' however it was probably no more than a farm at this time. Remains of a Crusader watch tower and Crusader architectural designs may still be seen around the city. The only remains of any habitation prior to the Crusaders are some Byzantine remains in Al-Tireh. The name Ramallah has its origins in two words, Ram or Rama is an Aramaic word meaning 'a high place' and Allah is the Arabic word for God, making Ramallah God's hill.Ramallah as it now stands, was founded in the sixteenth century when Rashed Haddad, a member of a Christian tribe of blacksmiths, bought the land from the people of Al-Bireh and settled here with his family.