• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

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Who built some of the most iconic castles during the Middle Ages, and what were their motivations?

Mitzi Linzey

Hey! That's a great question. During the Middle Ages, castles were built for a myriad of reasons, including defense, residence, and expression of power.

Some of the most iconic castles during this period were built by feudal lords and kings in Europe, such as the Tower of London, the Chateau de Versailles, and the Castillo de Alcazar. These castles are still standing today and are considered some of the most impressive structures of their time.

One of the main motivations for building these castles was defense. Many of the lords and kings during the Middle Ages were constantly at war either with each other or with outside invaders. Castles provided a fortified structure that could withstand attacks and keep the people inside safe. The walls of these castles were so thick that it would take a lot of manpower and time to break through them. Additionally, the architects of these castles incorporated other features like moats, drawbridges, and embrasures to fortify them even further.

Another reason for building castles was as a residence for the lord or king. Castles were often built in picturesque locations, such as on a hilltop or on the banks of a river, giving the residents beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Castles were also often built with luxurious features such as large great halls for entertaining and feast halls which were used for important banquets.

Lastly, castles were built as a way of expressing power, both political and physical. Often, castles would be built on top of hills or in strategic locations to make them visible from a great distance away. This served as a reminder to any potential enemies that the lord or king had power and authority over the surrounding area. It was also a way of communicating to any subjects of the lord or king that they were in a hierarchical position beneath the lord or king.

Overall, castles during the Middle Ages were some of the most impressive structures of their time. They served as a way of expressing power, displaying wealth, providing a residence, and protecting the residents within them. The architects and builders of these castles were innovative, coming up with new and unique ways of fortifying them and adding features that would make them more comfortable and impressive.