The Medieval Castle

Throughout the Middle Ages, Europe's rulers built strongholds along the frontiers of their realm to guard against the constant threat of invasion. The earliest castles were earth-and-timber forts located along trade routes or likely avenues of attack. As kingdoms grew in power and wealth, these forts were replaced by massive permanent structures with thick stone walls.

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The first requirement for a castle was that it be difficult to reach, and the easiest way to do that was to build in a...