The primary tools for medieval castle defense and assault were arrows, catapults, battering rams, siege towers, and mining equipment. read more
Many were besieged, but few were actually attacked. They were extremely difficult to take by assault. Often the besiegers ran out of food before the people inside did, and simply left. Sometimes they reached a negotiated surrender, in which the defenders were allowed to leave with their goods and arms, and they handed over the castle to the besiegers. read more
With a few masons, carpenters and building specialists working full time on the castle, year round, and a work force of about 100 working for 6 weeks in the year each (40 days was a traditional service period in Medieval times). read more