Author
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Topic: need help on significance of castles??
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Erick_GR81 Member
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posted 04-22-2001 06:25 PM
I need to do two pages about significance of castles and I only have 1/4 of a page done. |
Erik Schmidt Senior Member
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posted 04-22-2001 11:05 PM
You need to do some reading. Most basic books on castles will have plenty written on their significance. It helps if you can put in examples to illustrate your points, that'll also bring you up to 2 pages in no time.The main reasons I can think of is that castles were very significant in controlling territory. It was therefore a base to control towns, trade routes and agricutural areas, basically places where taxes could be levied. They were also used to take new territory. It would be difficult to continue to levy taxes and control an area within range of a new(or captured) castle's garrison belonging to your enemy. The control was derived through the strength of the castle. It allowed you to ride out to conduct "business" but then withdraw to safety in the castle if threatened. It often took a long time or great effort to take a castle, and therefore they were often left alone, or unsuccessfully attacked, during enemy campaings when undefended towns nearby could be taken. Hope it helps, Erik |
Merlin Senior Member
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posted 04-23-2001 07:08 AM
Some castles may have looked very strong, but were not 'significant' in military terms. The 'control'-function of which Erik speaks has also worked in a more representative way. Example: A tower was an attribute of power, strength and social status and therefore added to almost every castle, even to some where this was of no use for the defence. So medieval castles where not only significant as military fortresses, but also as symbols of the feudal system, social status, power and wealth.Merlin |