Castles in the Middle Ages

The Medieval Period or Middle Ages lasted from 500 AD to 1500 AD. Middle ages were plagued by constant wars between two nations or between two warlords. The castles built during the Middle Ages exhibited the grandeur and strength of the medieval warlords. Castles were built as strongholds against enemies and they served as homes for kings and the royal family. During the Medieval period castle builders were held in high esteem. The castles of the Middles Ages replaced the wooden structures with stonewalls.

Castles of Medieval Period

The Middle Ages marked the beginning of castles not only in England but also in Spain, Germany and other European nations. Europe is famous for the magnificent castles build during the medieval period by the Kings and the Lords to protect themselves against the crusaders. The architecture of castles in the Middle Ages changed with time. They were influenced mostly by siege warfare and also by significant events such as crusades.

• English Castles

In England castles were built thousand years ago. Many of the castles constructed during the Middle Ages was to prevent the Viking Raids, French invasions and also in fear of Scottish raids. Another reason for the construction of castles in the Middles Ages is to speculate the wealth and nobility of a nation.

The castles constructed in the Middle Ages are:

Bodiam Castle - This is located in the southern coast of England and was built during the Hundred Years War between England and France.

The Tower of London - William the Conqueror, to exhibit the power and magnificence of England had built The Tower of London.

Raby Castle - Raby Castle is a fine example of the castles of Middle Ages. This is one of the largest and most beautiful of all castles constructed during the Medieval Era.

Two other famous castles of the Middle Ages are Bailey and Scarborough.

• Spanish Castles

One of the countries famous for formidable castles is Spain. Spanish castles of the Middle Ages were built to stop the invasion of the Arabs on the northern side of the country. The northern region of Spain is called as "Castilla" because many of the Spanish castles were built here. A few of the famous Spanish Castles are:

Alcazar of Segovia - It was one of the residences favored by the Spanish Kings.

Alcazar of Toledo - This is one of the famous fortifications of the Spanish. It protected the people during the Spanish Civil War. Today it serves as a museum.

The other famous Spanish castles in the Middles Ages are Castillo de Coca – Coca Castle and the Alcazar of Almeria.

• German Castles

The fairytale-like castles were built by the King of Ludwig in the Germany during the Middle Ages.

Wartburg Castle - This castle has great significance in the history of Germany and in the propagation of Christianity in Germany. Martin Luther King translated the New Testament into German during his stay in this castle at the time of his exile. This castle is a symbol of German Union.

• French Castle

Castles in the Middle Ages had a strong beginning in France and many of the English castles were influenced by the French castles. French castles were initially called "donjons" and were constructed as a protection against attackers. A few of the French castles in the Middle Ages are

Foix Castle - Foix Castle is one of the finest examples of the Medieval French castles. It was built during the 11th century on top of a huge rock.

Vincennes Castles - This is located in Ile de France and is an example of strongest castles of Middle Ages.

Not only the English, French and the Germans but many of the European countries, North African and Middle Eastern countries had built castles of some sort during the Middle Ages. Construction of Castles to ward-off the enemies became popular during the Middle Ages.