According to legend, Safed was founded by a son of NoahÊafter the great flood. Historical sources indicate that the town was founded in theÊ2nd centuryÊAD, during Roman times. In the early 16th century, theÊOttoman EmpireÊunderÊSelim IconqueredÊPalestine. Under the Ottomans, Safed was part of thevilayetÊofÊSidon.