What Defence systems did medieval Europe have?

In the Medieval period besieging armies used a wide variety of siege engines including: scaling ladders; battering rams; siege towers and various types of catapults such as the mangonel, onager, ballista, and trebuchet.

Did castles have trebuchets?

The first recorded use of a trebuchet is in Europe in the 12th century. It was the machine of choice for the siege of castles, and far eclipsed the range of the simple catapult.
 

Where did servants sleep in medieval castles?

Most domestic servants would have slept in shared chambers in either the cellars or attics of the castle buildings. There might also be simple buildings outside the castle for herdsmen, mill workers, wood-cutters, and craftspeople such as rope-makers, candle-makers, potters, basket-weavers, and spinners.
 

What activities did people do in medieval castles?

Knights would practice their fighting skills and soldiers would constantly defend and protect the castle. Many people would have lived and worked in the castle. They would cook and clean for the lord or king. There would also be a gardener, stable hands, a blacksmith, a baker and a treasurer who counted all the money.
 

What medieval structure was for defense?

Towers of medieval castles were usually made of stone, wood or a combination of both (with a stone base supporting a wooden loft). Often toward the later part of the era they included battlements and arrow loops.

How did medieval armies actually fight?

The most bitter hand-to-hand fighting was done by ‘men-at-arms’. These were nobles and gentry, often wearing suits of elaborate plate armour, and their retainers, who wore quilted ‘jacks’ and helmets. English armies rode to battle but nearly always fought on foot.

Were trebuchets used in Defence?

The range given for projectiles are 300, 180, and 120 feet. They were used as defensive weapons stationed on walls and sometimes hurled hollowed out logs filled with burning charcoal to destroy enemy siege works.

What was the most powerful medieval weapon?

1. HALBERD. This two-handed weapon came to prominence during the 14th and 15th centuries. Essentially an axe, a hook, and a spike on top of a pole, it was a fearsome antipersonnel weapon for use against both infantry and cavalry.
 

Were ballistas used for defense?

Even if a ballista bolt was on fire, it would still cause relatively little damage unless it hit a critical area, like a stable or wheat store. For this reason, ballistae were usually used to defend castles, not to attack them.

Did medieval Europe have guns?

From the 14th century, gunpowder starting changing war, as Europeans adapted this Chinese creation for a new use—guns. One of their first uses was at the Battle of Crécy (1346), when the English fielded five cannons to limited effect.
 

Did medieval Europe have standing armies?

The first modern standing armies on European soil during the Middle Ages were the Janissaries of the Ottoman Empire, which were formed in the 14th century under sultan Murad I.

What weapons were used in medieval Europe?

Weapons were the spear, sword, ax, and the bow and arrow.

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