Castles in the Medieval Period By Lauren Williams

History of Castles Medieval castles dominate the varied landscapes of Europe. Stone fortifications were nothing new to the continent, but during the Middle Ages, there was an explosion of castle construction as feudal lords sought to show their power and provide safe haven for the inhabitants of their kingdoms. Some were described to be cold stone boxes, but others became impressive reminders of years past. Medieval castles dominate the varied landscapes of Europe. Stone fortifications were nothing new to the continent, but during the Middle Ages, there was an explosion of castle construction as feudal lords sought to show their power and provide safe haven for the inhabitants of their kingdoms. Some were described to be cold stone boxes, but others became impressive reminders of years past.

Castle in France from the medieval period

Medieval castles

Castles in Europe Castles in Europe evolved from the first wooden forts made to lodge a garrison to spectacular stone structures able to support a small army for extended times. Castles in Europe evolved from the first wooden forts made to lodge a garrison to spectacular stone structures able to support a small army for extended times.

The Reifenstein Castle is one of the best originally preserved medieval castles in Italy, Europe.

Castle in the Medieval period

Medieval Castles Large stone castles were built in Europe. These huge buildings served not only to defend the country from foreign invaders but as the basic tool in preserving the king’s and the nobles’ power over the land. The social system was very firm in the Middle Ages. Feudalism was the basic social structure in this time. The land was held by the king. The king gave parts of this land to different high nobles, in return for their help in fighting his battles or in putting down rebellions. Not only did the higher nobles have to fight for the king themselves, they had to supply a certain number of lesser lords and other knights to help fight also. These higher nobles then gave some of their land to lesser knights, in return for their help in battle. Below all the knights were the serfs, who actually farmed the land. The lords were not supposed to go on back roads because they feared the rebels. Large stone castles were built in Europe. These huge buildings served not only to defend the country from foreign invaders but as the basic tool in preserving the king’s and the nobles’ power over the land. The social system was very firm in the Middle Ages. Feudalism was the basic social structure in this time. The land was held by the king. The king gave parts of this land to different high nobles, in return for their help in fighting his battles or in putting down rebellions. Not only did the higher nobles have to fight for the king themselves, they had to supply a certain number of lesser lords and other knights to help fight also. These higher nobles then gave some of their land to lesser knights, in return for their help in battle. Below all the knights were the serfs, who actually farmed the land. The lords were not supposed to go on back roads because they feared the rebels.

Medieval Castles

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