Anatomy of the castle

Introduction: The evolution of fortifications. What is a castle?

The evolution of fortified settlements

Warfare in the classical world

Siege warfare

[1.] The first castles. Roman castles

Motte-and-Bailey castles

The Norman keep

[2.] Crusader castles and their legacy. The Holy Land

The reconquest of Spain

Crusades in France and Eastern Europe

[3.] The high point of the castle. Western Europe's castle builders

Major design features

[4.] Change, decline and renewal. The age of the siege cannon

Scotland and Ireland

Looking eastward

The rise of the artillery fort

[5.] Inside the castle walls. Living in the medieval castle

Recreation and leisure

[6.] The end of it all.