Attacking and defending castles Flashcards
What is a drawbridge?
A bridge which is hinged at one end to stop people getting through.
What is a round tower?
A type of fortified tower with a circular floor plan.
What is a battlement?
A notched parapet on top of a wall.
What is a curtain wall?
A fortified wall around a medieval castle, typically linking two towers together.
What is a portcullis?
A strong heavy grating that can be lowered down grooves on each side of a gateway to block it.
What is a barbican?
The outer defences of a castle (especially a double tower above a gate or drawbridge).
What are murder holes?
A hole in the ceiling of a gateway or passageway in a fortification through which defenders could fire, throw or pour harmful objects substances.
What is a bailey?
The outer wall of a castle.
What is a moat?
A deep wide ditch surrounding a castle, typically filled with water.
What is a motte?
A mound forming the site of a castle or camp.
What are scaling ladders?
Blocks of wood that were used to push ladders away from the castle.
What are mines?
When men would dig under the corner of the castle. This only worked with some castles.
What is a besiege?
When men would surround the castle and cut of the supply of food and water coming into the castle.
What was a sneak attack?
When men went into the castle through a secret passageway and attacked the castle from the inside.
