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Medieval castles were often built on hills because of their strategic value and because they formed a natural defense.
Why build a castle on a hill?
Castles were usually built where there was a natural feature of the land that would help in the defense of the castle such as building on top of a hill or where they were surrounded by water. The castle served as a visual reminder and a symbol of power that the king was in charge over all the land.
Why were most castles located at the top of a hill?
Castles were often built at the top of hills or where they could use some natural features of the land to help with their defense. After the Middle Ages castles weren’t built as much, especially as larger artillery and cannon were designed that could easily knock down their walls.
Why were castles built on high places?
A castle was built to withstand attack from enemy. Castle builders added many defensive features to make their castles difficult to attack. Many castles were built on high ground with clear views of the surrounding land. The walls of the castles were very high making it hard for attackers to climb over.
What were the 4 main reasons that castles were built?
Medieval castles were built from the 11th century CE for rulers to demonstrate their wealth and power to the local populace, to provide a place of defence and safe retreat in the case of attack, defend strategically important sites like river crossings, passages through hills, mountains and frontiers, and as a place of May 17, 2018.
Why were castles built by rivers?
In some cases, the castle was built near a river crossing so that it commanded a view of everyone who crossed the river thereby controlling the passage. Castles located near major rivers would also control the traffic which used the river as a trade route.
What was the purpose of the keep in a castle?
Keep’s were built within castles during the Middle Ages and they were used as a refuge or last resort should the rest of the castle fall to enemies.
What do you call a castle on a hill?
A hill castle or mountain castle is a castle built on a natural feature that stands above the surrounding terrain. Hilltop castle (Gipfelburg), that stands on the summit of a hill with steep drops on all sides. A special type is the rock castle or Felsenburg.
Did you know facts about castles?
Everything about a castle was built to keep the people inside safe. It is made up of many different parts, not just one building. The main building inside the castle is the keep, which was protected by walls and towers. The first castles were built by the Normans and were called motte and bailey castles.
When were castles first built?
The first castles were built by the Normans The great age of castles began almost 1,000 years ago and lasted for nearly 500 years. The Normans introduced the first proper castles, starting with the wooden Motte and Bailey castles, to England following their victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Why did castles have moats?
The purpose of a moat was primarily to protect the castle from attack. As a defense mechanism, moats were very effective. Although they’re usually depicted as wide, deep bodies of water, moats were often simply dry ditches. Dams could be built that would control the level of water in the moat.
What was living in a castle like?
What was it like living in a castle? Even when it wasn’t under attack, living in a castle was hectic, noisy and they were often packed full of people. Castles were large, dark, draughty and cold. Windows were often small, with wooden shutters or (if the nobleman could afford it), leadlight glass-panes.
What are the main features of a castle?
The key features of a castle include: Rampart, Dungeon, Portcullis, Moat, Drawbridge and Turret.
Why did castles start being built?
Castles were established by Norman invaders of England for both defensive purposes and to pacify the country’s inhabitants. As William the Conqueror advanced through England, he fortified key positions to secure the land he had taken.
How were castles usually attacked?
Essentially there are three main ways of attacking a castle and, of course, the defenders knew this and so developed counter-measures to each. These were getting over the wall into the castle, going under the wall and battering a way through the wall to get inside.
How did castles develop?
During the 12th century many castles were improved and strengthened by using stone as the ain building material. The wooden defences of motte and bailey castles were replaced by walls and towers of stone. Stone castles replaced the motte and bailey castles but the stone castles also changed over time.
Why were castles built in the Middle Ages?
Castles were common in Europe during the Middle Ages and were often the homes of royal families or other powerful people. The main purpose of castles was to protect the people who lived there from invasions. They were also a status symbol to show other people how important a family was.
Where is the best place to build a castle?
In feudal times, castles were built where the king commanded. As regards defence, the best location was surrounded by a wide stretch of water, sufficient to stop siege engines from striking the defences. This could be a river and lake, or on a peninsular projecting into the sea.
What is the water surrounding the castle called?
moat, a depression surrounding a castle, city wall, or other fortification, usually but not always filled with water.
