Powder and Stone. Or, Why Medieval Rulers Loved Castles
2 days ago
- #military-strategy
- #medieval-history
- #castles
- Castles played a crucial role in the development of modern states by enabling centralized taxation and power.
- Early castles, particularly motte-and-bailey types, were simple, cheap, and quickly built to secure territory.
- Medieval rulers used castles as Forward Operating Bases (FARPs) to manage logistics and supply chains during warfare.
- The construction of castles was so vital that rulers would go into debt to build them, despite their high costs.
- Castles became obsolete with the advent of gunpowder, marking the end of a 500-year era of military strategy.
- The Bayeux Tapestry provides insights into the construction techniques of early motte-and-bailey castles.
- Illegal castle building during crises often led to these structures being legitimized over time.
- The logistical challenges of medieval warfare, akin to the 'rocket equation,' were mitigated by the strategic placement of castles.