Weapons
What weapon was known as the most lethal killing machine of the medieval era?
The longbow.
What were machicolations used for?
Defenders used them to drop objects on attackers below.
Why did knights often dismount from their horses?
To fight in close hand-to-hand combat.
What was the purpose of a siege tower?
To help soldiers climb over castle walls.
What was a battering ram mainly used for?
Breaking down castle gates or doors.
What siege weapon used a large lever to launch stones at castle walls?
A trebuchet.
Why were castles important during a siege?
They protected defenders behind strong walls and gates.
What was the aim of a siege?
To force defenders to surrender or starve.
Why were siege towers covered with wet animal hides?
To protect soldiers from fire and arrows.
What was a battering ram usually made from?
A thick tree trunk.
What siege weapon used twisted ropes or springs to launch projectiles?
A mangonel.
What kinds of objects could defenders throw through machicolations?
Rocks, boiling oil, arrows, animal dung, or dead bodies.
How did siege towers help attackers?
They allowed soldiers to climb over castle walls while protected.
How did soldiers enter a castle using a siege tower?
They climbed ladders inside the tower and crossed onto the castle walls.
How could battering rams be moved during battle?
They could be pushed on wheels or swung like a pendulum.
Why was the longbow more effective than many other bows?
It fired faster and could pierce armour from long distances.
Explain how castle defence systems protected people during medieval warfare.
Features like barbicans, machicolations, and strong walls slowed attackers and protected defenders.
Where did most medieval battles take place?
In large open fields.
What advantage did siege towers give attacking armies?
They protected soldiers while allowing them to reach the walls.
Why was the castle gate an important target during a siege?
Because it was often the easiest way to enter a castle.
Explain one way gunpowder changed medieval warfare.
Cannons using gunpowder could destroy castle walls more effectively.
Where did most medieval battles take place?
In large open fields.
Explain how continuity and change affected medieval military systems.
New weapons and defence systems developed over time, changing how battles and castle attacks were fought.
Explain how siege towers changed castle warfare.
They allowed attackers to safely climb walls and increased the chances of capturing castles.
Explain how battering rams helped attackers during sieges.
They weakened or broke gates, allowing soldiers to enter the castle.