THE AGE OF FORTRESSES

Germany Before The Modern Age

Enter a world of fortified walls, stone keeps, knights, merchants, craftsmen and medieval towns.

LIFE BEHIND THE WALLS

The People of the Castle

KNIGHTS

Warriors, retainers and symbols of medieval aristocratic culture.

LORDS

Landowners whose courts and fortifications shaped the landscape.

CRAFTSMEN

Blacksmiths, masons, carpenters and countless specialists who kept castles alive.

MERCHANTS

Trade connected fortified towns and regional markets.

MONKS

Religious communities preserved knowledge and shaped medieval culture.

SOLDIERS

Guards who protected gates, towers and strategic routes.

ANATOMY OF A FORTRESS

Inside The Castle

THE KEEP
GATEHOUSE
COURTYARD
WATCHTOWER
GREAT HALL
CHAPEL
BATTLEMENTS
MOAT
DRAWBRIDGE
THE AGES

A Medieval Timeline

900
Early fortifications
1100
Stone castles rise
1300
Age of fortified towns
1500
Renaissance changes warfare
1600+
Castles become residences