Castle

:The article describes the fortified building. See also castle (disambiguation)

Purpose of castles

Castles were built not only as a defensive measure from hostile enemies, but as an offensive weapon. This article in general discusses castles as a defensive fortress, while this section examines the role of castles as an offensive weapon during the middle ages.

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During the Middle Ages, in particular the High Middle Ages (the height of castle building in Europe), lords and kings often built castles for offensive reasons: territorial expansion and control of a region. A castle was a stronghold from which a lord or baron could control surrounding territory. The story of Hugh of Abbeville in the last decades of the 10th century illustrates this:

Related Topics:
High Middle Ages - Hugh of Abbeville

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:Because were not all lords of castles, became more powerful than the rest of his peers. For he could do what he liked without fear, relying on the protection of the castle, while others, if they tried anything, were easily overcome as they had no refuge.(Hariulf, Gesta ecclesiae Centulensis)

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In the wake of the Norman Conquest, Norman lords constructed castles across England to control and conquer. During the Investiture Controversy in Germany during the 11th century, and the resulting decline of the German kingdom, castle building exploded as local warlords staked claims to minor kingdoms from behind newly-built castles. It is for this reason that so many castles were built throughout Europe: they were an offensive weapon that any warlord with ambitions could employ to control and conquer regional territory.

Related Topics:
Norman Conquest - Investiture Controversy

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