Skip to main content

Medieval Castles

 


Ever wonder why most staircases in medieval castles were built to be extremely narrow and spiraling in a clockwise direction? Since medieval castles were built mainly as fortifications, staircases were designed to make it extremely difficult for enemy combatants to fight their way up.


Since most soldiers were right-handed, they would need to round each curve of the inner wall before attempting to strike, inevitably exposing themselves in the process. The clockwise spiral staircase also allowed the defenders to use the inner wall as a partial shield and easily allow them to swing their weapon without being hindered by the curvature of the outer wall.


The stairs were also intentionally poorly lit and built to be uneven, making it even more difficult for the attackers to gain any sort of balance or momentum during their fight up to capture the castle.


Now you know

Comments

  1. The most prevalent form of staircases in the Middle Ages were spiral. Most swords are held in the right hand. From a defender's point of view, a staircase spiraling down has more room to swing a sword.

    So, yes this is very true. Now you know

    ReplyDelete
  2. 😯😯

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Beyond the Boarders Episode 1: Luxembourg

HAPPY 2025!! Welcome to Beyond the Borders , your gateway to the wonders of global travel! In this column, we’ll take you on thrilling adventures across continents, diving into diverse cultures, hidden gems, and must-visit destinations. From bustling cityscapes to serene natural retreats, we’ll bring you stories, tips, and inspiration to fuel your wanderlust. Whether you’re an avid traveler or someone dreaming of their first big trip, this space is for you. Join us as we traverse the globe, uncovering what makes every corner of the world special. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to journey Beyond the Borders . Let’s explore the world - Together ! Beyond the Borders : Exploring the World, One Story at a Time For those who are interested in Luxembourg, check this; In Kenya, applying for a Luxembourg visa is straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you get started: Determine the Visa Type Identify the purpose of your visit. Common visa types ...

The Torque Talk Episode 7 (Subaru Forester vs Mazda CX5)

Battle of the Giants: Subaru Forester SJ5 vs. Mazda CX-5 – Kenyan Edition! Here's the thing , we have the Subaru Forester SJ5 2017 model, a vehicle that’s practically a Swiss Army knife on wheels. In the other corner, the Mazda CX-5 2017—sleek, stylish, and always ready to give you side-eye like your secret admirer-crush. Let’s start with the Forester. This beast is like that one friend who insists on going on safari every weekend. With enough space for a whole family (or that Kadebe thing), it’s perfect for those kanga road trips to Diani. Plus, it has a fabulous symmetrical all-wheel drive system—because the last thing you need on a rainy day in Nairobi is a car that decides it's taking a detour to the nearest pothole. Now, the CX-5 is like the cool guy who eats mutura and chafuas meza ya kalocal. It’s stylish, it’s got curves in all the right places, and gives you the rich uncle/aunt vibes! With a plush interior and impressive tech features and premium music sytem, it might ...

Beyond the Boarders Episode 4: Higher Learning Institutions in the United States

 Higher Learning Institutions in the United States By Florence Cheptoo The United States is home to a diverse array of higher learning institutions that cater to students from all walks of life. From prestigious universities to accessible community colleges, the educational landscape offers opportunities for academic growth, personal development, and career advancement. Below, we explore the key features of these institutions, focusing on their structure, student life, academic calendars, and more. Universities: The Cornerstones of Higher Education Image;University of Illinois Chicago Universities in the U.S. are renowned for their extensive academic offerings and research opportunities. Institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Michigan are among the most prestigious, attracting students from across the globe. These universities typically offer a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in fields such as engineer...