![]() ![]() Although it’s unlikely that Vlad ever visited the castle, it’s easy to see how the legend stuck, especially during the atmospheric annual, late-night Halloween party. This helped to intensify the castle's firepower.Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle,” this 57-room medieval fortress is said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s mythical count, based on the ruthless, real-life, 15th-century ruler Vlad the Impaler. The castles relied on concentric defence and had various stages of defence that could all function at the same time. A proliferation of towers occurred and great emphasis was made on flanking fire. A specific approach to castle defence arose in the 12th and 13th centuries. They often lacked advanced features such as arrowslits and towers. Early castles relied on a central keep and exploited natural defences. Later, stone replaced the castles’ defences. Initially, castles were constructed using earth and timber. This was due to the advancement of strong canons and the prevalence of artillery fortifications, which could withstand the canons. These castles are some of the oldest in Europe.Ĭastles lost their military significance towards the end of middle ages. Between the years 10, he has established 36 castles. By building castles, William was able to secure the land he had conquered. William the Conqueror had fortified key positions as he advanced through England. The castles also helped pacify the inhabitants of the country. The Norman invaders of England constructed castles for defensive purposes. Castles also served as offensive tools and could be used a base of operations in foreign territories. The most distinct purposes were domestic, administrative, and military. In urban areas, castles helped control local populace and travel routes.Ĭastles served a wide range of purposes. Castles constructed in rural areas were located near important features such as fertile land, water sources, and mills. Besides their military purposes, castles also acted as symbols of power and served as centers of administration. They also formed a base from which raids and battles were planned and launched. The castles offered protection from enemies. The nobles took the initiative to build castles in order to defend the acquired territories. When the Carolingian empire fell, its territory was divided among princes and lords. History of CastlesĬastles are an innovation of the European and they emerged in the 9 th and 10 th centuries. However, the castles shared some features such as arrowslits and curtain walls. For the period of 900 years when castles were built, they adopted many designs. A castle is also distinct from a fortress, as a fortress was not always occupied by a noble. A castle is different from a palace, as a palace is not fortified. Scholars define a castle as a fortified residence of a noble or a lord. The word castle comes from the Latin word castellum, derived from the word castrum meaning a fortified place. There are many stunning examples of medieval castles that still stand today. ![]() European nobles built and occupied castles. The medieval castles refer to castles built during the Middle Ages, Castles are fortified structures mainly built in the Middle East and Europe in the middle ages. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |