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Summary on Castles

Castles where built to defend an area of land from being attacked. Castles were built in Europe and the Middle East during the middle Ages. People debate about the word castle, but usually consider it to be the private residence of a lord or Ruler. These nobles built castles to control the area surrounding them, and were both offensive and defensive structures; they provided a base were defensive raids could be launched as well as protection from their enemies. The structures also served as centers of administration and symbols of power. Urban castles were used to control the important travel routes.  Many castles were originally built from earth and timber, but had their structures replaced later by stone. Although gunpowder was introduced to Europe in the 14th century, it did not significantly affect castle building until the 15th century, when artillery became powerful enough to break through stone walls. While castles continued to be built well into the 16th century, new techniques with improved cannon fire made them uncomfortable and undesirable places to live. As a result, true castles went into decline and were replaced by artillery forts with no role in civil administration.