This article explores the vital role of moats in castle defense, illustrating their significance through the story of brothers Oleg and Yaropolk and the dry moat of Villa Castle in Valle D'Aosta
For my conferences on the history of Russia, I had to study endless sources and noticed some particularities that I discuss in my articles (find them on the summary page). In my research, I suddenly discovered an explanation for a strange fact I noticed when I visited Villa Castle in Valle D’Aosta some time ago. Here I tell you about it.
Tales of chivalry and gallant knights often romanticize the moat surrounding a castle. However, the moat's practical role in defense cannot be overstated—it served as a formidable barrier against invaders, providing both physical protection and psychological warfare. The tragic story of the brothers Oleg and Yaropolk (977AD), princes in Ancient Russia, illustrates the interplay of familial conflict and military strategy in the context of castle defense.
We think that moats were designed to make it difficult for attackers to approach the castle walls. By creating a deep, water-filled trench surrounding the fortress, defenders could deter enemy forces physically and psychologically. The water not only obstructed direct assaults but also slowed down advancing troops, making them vulnerable to arrows and other projectiles from the castle's battlements.
Continue reading: https://exegi.substack.com/p/a-historical-perspective-of-the-role
No comments:
Post a Comment