What are the arrow slits in castles called?


What are the arrow slits in castles called? An arrowslit (often also referred to as an arrow loop, loophole or loop hole, and sometimes a balistraria) is a narrow vertical aperture in a fortification through which an archer can launch arrows or a crossbowman can launch bolts.


Why do castles have slits?

A narrow vertical slit in a castle wall or tower from which an archer can launch arrows or bolts from a crossbow at attackers. The slit was thin, making it near impossible for attackers on the outside to hit an archer behind the wall as they would have to get their arrows to go through the slit.


What is the front door of a castle called?

A portcullis is a heavy castle door or gate made of metal strips that form a grid. A castle guardian might lower the portcullis to protect the people inside from an invading army. It was common during medieval times for castles to be protected by a portcullis or two.


What are the 3 types of castles?

The three main types of castles are the motte and bailey castle, the stone keep castle, and the concentric castle.


What is a moat in a castle?

moat, a depression surrounding a castle, city wall, or other fortification, usually but not always filled with water. The existence of a moat was a natural result of early methods of fortification by earthworks, for the ditch produced by the removal of earth to form a rampart made a valuable part of the defense system.


What are the different parts of a castle called?

Castle Terminology
  • The Towers. These tall, round or square structures were built into the length or corners of the castle walls. ...
  • The Gate. The entrance was often the weakest part in a castle. ...
  • The Bailey or Ward. ...
  • The Keep or Donjon. ...
  • The Curtain Walls. ...
  • The Moat. ...
  • The Battlement.


What is a talus in a castle?

In architecture, the talus is a feature of some late medieval castles, especially prevalent in crusader constructions. It consists of a battered (sloping) face at the base of a fortified wall.


Why are castles white?

Castle walls could be plastered and whitewashed to protect the walls and mortar. The White Tower in the Tower of London is named for such a reason. Whether a castle would be 'white' would really depend on the plaster used and I'd expect to vary by custom from county to country and from age to age.


What is a turret in a castle?

In architecture, a turret is a small tower that projects vertically from the wall of a building such as a medieval castle. Turrets were used to provide a projecting defensive position allowing covering fire to the adjacent wall in the days of military fortification.