Castles
Of course everyone wants to learn about castles. They are probably the most iconic symbol of the Middle Ages. Castles were originally manor houses, but as more protection was needed, they turned into giant stone fortresses. The castles were actually not as warm or as clean compared to how they are depicted in books. The floors were made of dirt and they were very smokey because of the fires they had in the great hall. They were also very drafty and got very cold in the winter.
The first castles popped up around the same time the feudal system started. They also were made of wood and not stone. Stone castles started being built sometime around 1100. Most castles were built on top of a hill for protection. In a battle, being at a higher vantage point gave you the chance of spotting the enemy from farther away. Another thing that castles are infamous for is dungeons. Dungeons were prisons mostly in the basements of castles. They started out as just cellars, but they evolved into huge prisons. Eventually though, when the need for the feudal system was gone castles were abandoned by the nobles who used them.
The first castles popped up around the same time the feudal system started. They also were made of wood and not stone. Stone castles started being built sometime around 1100. Most castles were built on top of a hill for protection. In a battle, being at a higher vantage point gave you the chance of spotting the enemy from farther away. Another thing that castles are infamous for is dungeons. Dungeons were prisons mostly in the basements of castles. They started out as just cellars, but they evolved into huge prisons. Eventually though, when the need for the feudal system was gone castles were abandoned by the nobles who used them.
A painting of a Medieval castle
The ruins of an old castle
A Medieval castle. (It is small because of resolution issues)