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What were castles originally built out of why did they change the material used to build castles?
In order to defend themselves, they built their homes as large castles in the center of the land they ruled. They could defend from attacks as well as prepare to launch attacks of their own from their castles. Originally castles were made of wood and timber. Later they were replaced with stone to make them stronger.
How did the castle changed over time?
Many of the original timber castles were replaced with stone castles. Over time, stone castles were built in different architectural styles as builders experimented with castle-building techniques. In their infancy, castles were primarily military fortifications used to defend conquered territories from attack.
What materials are used for castles?
The building materials are stone, clay soil and oak trees that are found near the site. The workers use traditional techniques from the 13th century. To split stones for the walls, quarrymen “read” the rock face to see the lines where it will fracture.
What were the main causes for the end of castles?
After the 16th century, castles declined as a mode of defense, mostly because of the invention and improvement of heavy cannons and mortars. This artillery could throw heavy cannonballs with so much force that even strong curtain walls could not hold up.
Why were castles built during the medieval period?
Castles were common in Europe during the Middle Ages and were often the homes of royal families or other powerful people. The main purpose of castles was to protect the people who lived there from invasions. They were also a status symbol to show other people how important a family was.
What was the main reason for building castles?
The main reason castles were built was not for luxury, but for defense and protection. Another reason for the construction of castles was to remind the people of the land who was in charge. In medieval times, the king or lord owned all the land and gave pieces of it to people to use.
Did castles have cannons?
Huge cannons called bombards were made to blast castles with enormous stone balls. Fired with tremendous force, cannonballs could cause far more damage to walls and towers than the rocks hurled by catapults such as trebuchets and mangonels.
Why did the design of castles change over time?
Castle designs have changed over history. This is because of changes in technology over time – as well as changes to the function and purpose of castles. The first castles were simply ‘mounds’ of earth, and medieval castle designs improved on these basics – adding ditches in the Motte & Bailey design.
What kind of materials were used to build castles?
Motte-and-bailey castles were made of earth and wood, but due to weaknesses in these castles, stone castles were created. Motte-and bailey-castles were built on a motte, which is a man-made hill.
How did gunpowder change the way castles were built?
Castles could make use of advanced construction techniques, and so could the siege works sent against them. Gunpowder obviously made fortifications change, but so too did Naptha and Greek fire. such weapons changed what a castle could be made out of, and what it could use to defend itself.
What did engineers use to strengthen old castles?
During the 1100s and 1200s, engineers came up with a way to strengthen old Motte and Bailey castles. To do so, they built a ‘shell keep’ – a thin ring of stone around the buildings on top of the castle Motte (mound). This ring of stone replaced old, sea, wooden fencing.