Table of Contents
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.
Why were the castles built on hills?
They could defend from attacks as well as prepare to launch attacks of their own from their castles. 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.
Why were buildings inside castle walls narrow and tall?
The outside was made as narrow as possible (slightly wider than the muzzle of the weapon intended to use it) so as to afford the most difficult possible shot to attackers returning fire, but the inside had to be wider in order to enable the weapon to be swiveled around so as to aim over a reasonably large arc.
Were there alligators in moats?
Castle moats were usually between 5 and 40 feet deep, and they were not always filled with water. In many stories, moats are filled with alligators or crocodiles. This is a myth. However, moats were sometimes filled with fish or eels for food.
How were castles built on water?
Moats filled with water were usually supplied by a nearby source of water, such as a spring, lake, or river. Dams could be built that would control the level of water in the moat. While some fancy moats may have had stone sides, most moats had simple banks of earth left over from when they were dug.
Why did people build castles in the Middle Ages?
The castles in the Middle Ages were built for protection. The main purpose behind building a castle was originally protection from foreign invaders. Most of the castles were mainly built during the wars.
Why are castles so important to American culture?
The castle, or the fantasy of the “fortified habitation,” has become part of our American culture. It has also influenced our architecture and house design. Watching a cricket match on the grounds of Castle Ashby, the casual travel might have little sense of the historical architecture in the background.
Where are the most castles in the world?
Although Europe and Great Britain are famous for their castles, imposing fortresses and grand palaces have played an important role in most countries around the world. Japan is home to many impressive castles. Even the United States claims hundreds of modern “castles” built by wealthy businessmen.
What do you call a castle built for nobility?
A castle built as a home for nobility is a palace. In France, a castle built for nobility may be called a chateau(the plural is chateaux). “Schlösser” is the plural of Schlöss, which is the German equivalent of a castle or manor house.