2006-10-27 02:37:54 · 6 answers · asked by coolskater43 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Warfare back in the day involved smashing things. Whether it be trebuchets or battering rams or other medieval weapons, your goal was to smash your opponent into pulp. Castle walls had to be extremely thick to protect it during a seige scenario. Simple as that.
2006-10-27 02:47:44 · answer #1 · answered by brutebishop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Castles were built as protective fortifications that could resist extended sieges. In a time before the widespread use of gunpowder, armies fought hand to hand with only a limited use of cavalry and virtually no artillery, other than the bow and arrow and some larger rock throwing "siege engines." In order to capture territory, it was thus necessary for armies to actually march across the landscape and capture and subjugate towns. An army would need to capture the local aristocrat, kill him, or otherwise remove him from leadership.
Castles served as a means of thwarting this strategy. With only limited "human powered" weaponry, the population of a town along with the local lord's retinue could hole-up in a well-fortified castle and play a waiting game against the enemy. The siege process could last months or even years. The invading army would attempt to gain access to the castle while waiting for its occupants to run out of supplies. Those holed-up in the fortress would either try to arrange reinforcements or simply hope the invading army would run out of money and/or patience and move along. Very sophisticated weapons were invented on both sides to thwart the enemy.
Of course, gunpowder brought this era to an end. With cannon and explosives it became much easier to simply blast open the walls.
2006-10-27 03:34:03 · answer #2 · answered by texascrazyhorse 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be a strong base to protect an area, or b. to dominate that area. The ring of castles in North Wales are good examples of castles built for this second purpose.
2006-10-28 12:33:05 · answer #3 · answered by john b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we build strong castles to protect the prople inside. the people inside are unually the royals (kings, queens, dukes, etc.)
2006-10-27 02:41:29 · answer #4 · answered by nicole 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it would blow down in a strong wind if it was weak, and how else would you keep the Uruk-hai and orcs and goblins out?
2006-10-27 02:49:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to defend ourselves from invaders.
2006-10-27 02:39:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋