Castles
During the Middle Ages, there was an explosion of castle construction as feudal lords sought to strengthen their power and provide fortresses for the inhabitants of their kingdoms. Some were described to be little more than dirty, cold stone boxes, but others evolved to become impressive palaces.
Many people today cling to a romantic view of castles-complete with knights, damsels in distress and nonstop medieval feasting. Research shows that castles served a very utilitarian role in feudal society. It was protector, visible landmark, and source of pride among many communities.
Soon after the collapse of the Roman Empire, Germanic tribes began to construct heavy stone fortifications. Near the first millennium, another force would greatly spread the use of castles in Western Europe. William the Conqueror, from Normandy, France, invaded England in 1066 and changed the medieval landscape forever. Medieval societies soon witnessed the erection of stone towers and walls in every country. Simple keeps evolved into more elaborate strongholds with towering walls, defensive systems and could house sometimes thousands of people.
The castle remained a prime military resource for much of the Middle Ages. Military tactics centered on the taking of castles, and weapon technology improved over the centuries to exploit any weakness that could be found in castle architecture. It wasn't until the late 1600s, when gunpowder and artillery became more effective, that the castle became obsolete. Many fell into ruins during the succeeding centuries, but there remain excellent examples of medieval castle architecture that have been beautifully restored.
Castle Construction
Stone, mortar, wood-these were the simple components used to construct some of the most heavily fortified structures ever created.
Early castles relied on the surrounding landscape to provide much of the protection. Early castles were made of wood and built on hills, or "mottes". Surrounded by a high, wooden wall (or bailey). Motte and bailey castles proved too easy to burn, and stone began to be used more frequently.
Castles were rarely the most comfortable place to live, with only the lord and his family given adequate heat and other amenities in the keep. Medieval castles were built for safety, not comfort. Windows were little more than slits in the wall. Cold, stone floors and walls rarely kept in heat, and water had to be brought by the bucketful throughout the castle. Walls were built high to protect from advancing armies, and to provide lookout positions to watch attackers.
Castle Defenses
Capturing a medieval castle was difficult for military commanders during the Middle Ages and battles were often centered around these fortresses. Since medieval castles occupied such strategic points along trade routes, ports and rivers, they had the highest military value. Prime locations for castle construction include high, rocky ground…mountain passes…isolated peninsulas…and lake islands.
To withstand a siege, castle walls were sometimes constructed to be up to 30 feet thick. Some fortresses had towers soaring a hundred feet high. The castle reigned supreme until the use of gunpowder and artillery made them rather obsolete in the late 17th century. In addition to walls, castle dwellers stored up food and water so they could withstand a long siege.
Attacking Castles
To attack a castle, the invading army employed many different techniques. The most common way to make a castle fall was to siege it. A castle could last many months if their supplies were enough; unluckily, there was not much knowledge in ways to preserve food.
The attackers would normally cut off any supplies to the castle (including rivers, commerce, farms). In addition to this, the invaders used catapults to throw dead bodies into the castle; spreading diseases..
Siege weapons were improved and widely used. Catapults were the most efficient siege weapons, throwing heavy rocks at the castles walls. If a castle couldn't be besieged, the invaders used other methods to destroy or climb the castle's walls. The main method consisted on sending diggers who dug tunnels right beneath a wall (mostly corners since they were heavier). The tunnel would be strengthened with wood found from the surrounding area. After the tunnel was complete, the diggers would go to the surface. When they were all outside, fire was set to the wood; making the tunnel collapse. The walls were severely damaged when this method was employed.