Castle

Castle

A castle was the home and fortress of a monarch or noble. Castles became important in western Europe in the late 900's and the 1000's. They played a central role in the political and military system called feudalism. In the Middle Ages, which lasted from the 400's to 1500, Europe was divided into many small states, and local conflicts were common. Under feudalism, kings in western Europe often granted land to nobles called vassals in exchange for military and other services. A castle helped the king or vassal defend the land where the castle stood. It also provided a home for the monarch or noble's family and servants. In addition, a castle served as a barracks, prison, storehouse, armory, treasure house, and center of local government.

The word castle comes from a Latin word meaning fortress. European castles developed from fortified camps built by the ancient Romans and from fenced villages of prehistoric Europeans. People in the Middle East and Japan also built castles.

Excerpt adapted from the "Castle" article in The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999