3D Guide - How to Build the Perfect Medieval Castle

Summary by Krater

An overview of medieval castle architecture and design evolution, from early motte and bailey structures to concentric keeps, illustrated with historical examples and a sponsor message for Crusader Kings III.

From the video

Answers: How did medieval castle design and architecture evolve?

• Medieval castle architecture
• Motte and bailey castles
• Curtain walls and towers
• Gatehouses and portcullises
• Concentric castles

What it concludes

• Medieval castles were unique and had no single blueprint, varying to take advantage of the landscape and regional styles.
• Early motte and bailey castles used timber palisades that were vulnerable to fire and rot, leading to their replacement with stone curtain walls.
• Circular towers provided better defensive angles and resisted trebuchet stone-throwing better than square towers.
• Concentric castles with multiple layers of strong defense were virtually impregnable until the age of gunpowder.
• By the 15th century, the castle's military role declined due to gunpowder weapons and the rise of professionalized armies and centralized royal authority.