The Moat

in a Spanish Castle

410-1492

To begin your journey into the Middle Ages, try to picture a world

with far fewer people, where no one moved away from their

hometown, and life moved at a slower pace. There was no

electricity, no water from faucets, no television, and no cars. Imagine such a world to begin your journey into a land that was filled with real knights, castles, lords, and ladies

and enter the Middle Ages…

High Middle Ages The years 1050 to 1300, evoked for many people romantic images of knights in

shining armor, magnificent castles, and glorious cathedrals. And to many people, the word medieval (Latin medium aevum; “middle age”) wrongly suggests a cultural

intermission between the classical period of the Greek and Roman civilizations and the Renaissance. On the contrary, the High Middle Ages was a dynamic period that shaped European identity and development, stimulated in part by Europe’s interactions with

other cultures in Eurasia and the Mediterranean. Many of the basic social and political patterns and institutions later associated with European history were formed during this

era. Clear political boundaries and cultural identities emerged in the British Isles, France, Germany, Italy, eastern Europe, Iberia, and Scandinavia. Between 1000 and

1300, a chain reaction of developments in economy, society, and political life contributed to new trends in religion, scholarship, literature, and other arts—trends that

shaped European culture to the present day.

Early Middle Ages The years 500 to 1000 AD are known as the tough times or the

Dark Ages. During this time Vikings were invading much of Europe. Tribal disputes were causing constant war. Pagan

worshipping was common place. Only the monks in the monasteries kept learning alive. During the Early Middle Ages

Charlemagne also conquered most of France.

Late Middle Ages The Late Middle Ages lasted from 1300 to 1400 AD. This

was time of tragedy and hope. The 100 Years' War between England and France and the bubonic plague

known as the Black Death took many lives. The church was fighting. Hope began when the working people

began to rise. New ideas grew. Overseas exploration lead to a modern time.

The Muslims and the The Muslims and the Christian ReconquestChristian Reconquest

In 711 Spain was invaded by Muslims from Africa. For centuries the Muslim conquerors would control much of the Iberian Peninsula. The high

point of Islamic culture in Spain occurred in the 10th century. Muslim rulers introduced new crops and efficient irrigation systems, trading and

commerce thrived, and mathematics, medicine, and philosophy flourished.

Muslim power declined after 1000 as Christian kingdoms in northern Spain, supplemented by migrants from Europe, gradually moved

southward to take control of the peninsula. That process was completed in 1492 with the Christian conquest of Granada, the last Muslim kingdom

in Spain.

The Alhambra in GranadaA breathtaking palace-city that has a sophisticated blend of

medieval Islamic, Renaissance Christian and modern architectural styles.

                                                                                                                                                                                 

The kingdom of "Castilla" (its name means, "Land of Castles") occupied the eastern half of the actual region of Castilla y León, and the neighboring regions of Cantabria, La Rioja, Madrid and part of Castilla-la Mancha. It is the land of origin of the Spanish language (Castellano) The origin of Castile is at the lands od the Eastern frontier of León, in northern Spain. Those lands were inhabited by people of a mixed origin (Cantabric, Basque, Celtiberian), who possessed their own language (the Castilian-spanish) and body of laws, which differed from the Visigothic-inspired laws of the Leonese court. The Castilian legal system was based on old customs and traditional laws, as interpreted and applied by popularly appointed judges. Castile became independent in practice under Count Fernán González (X century). The "legal" independence came under Fernando I , son of the King Sancho III "the Great" of Navarre, last Count and first king of Castile (he was also king of León owner of La Mota or Moat Castle). After the disintegration of the Moorish Caliphat, it expanded to central Spain: "New Castile", becoming the leader of the "Reconquista". An important act of this was the conquest of Toledo (1085), by the king Alfonso VI, that united the muslim kingdom of Toledo with Castile. It conserved a close relation with León (unions with the kings Fernando I, Sancho II, Alfonso VI or Alfonso VII), until their definitive union, during the year 1230, with the king Fernando III "The Saint", son of Alfonso IX of León and Berenguela of Castile. This king reconquered Southern Spain: Murcia & Andalucia (except of Granada) The two kingdoms remained independent until the union of Spain, with the marriage of Isabel I (Queen of Castile & León) and Fernando II (King of Aragón and Count of Barcelone).

Iberia/Spain

Her father died when she was three and her older Her father died when she was three and her older brother became King Henry IV.  The Spanish nobles brother became King Henry IV.  The Spanish nobles had become very powerful during the reign of John II.  had become very powerful during the reign of John II.  They did not wish to have Henry as their king.   They They did not wish to have Henry as their king.   They felt that he was not very smart and would not be a felt that he was not very smart and would not be a good leader.    They hoped to make Isabella's other good leader.    They hoped to make Isabella's other brother, Alfonso, their king, but he died on July 5, brother, Alfonso, their king, but he died on July 5, 1468.  Some people thought that he might have been 1468.  Some people thought that he might have been poisoned to prevent him from being made king.  poisoned to prevent him from being made king. 

But soon Isabella would be at odds with her brother over her impending arranged marriage and faced imprisonment in the dungeon for her defiance. King Henry had wished his sister to marry Don Carlos, the Prince of Viana, who was the eldest son of John II.  He was also heir to the Kingdom of Navarre.  The King of Aragon, wished to marry Isabella to his son, Ferdinand.  Before the final arrangements could be made, Don Carlos died.  Henry tried to arrange marriages with several other people including King Alfonso V of Portugal, but Isabella had already decided that she wished to marry Ferdinand.   Isabella made plans to marry Ferndinand.  The only problem was that she had to find him. She sent out noblemen to search for him and he was finally found in Sicily (the island at the bottom of Italy) where he had become King.  He has also now become heir to the throne of Aragon.  He braved a trip back to Spain and married Isabella in 1469 in the palace of Juan de Vivero.

Queen Isabella I

The Catholic King and QueenThe Catholic King and Queen

Isabel I Queen of Castile & León of Spain

1451-1504

Ferdinand II

King of Aragón & Count of

Barcelone1452-1516

Map of the Spanish KingdomsMap of the Spanish Kingdoms13601360

On this map, the areas outlined in brown are under Muslim control. Yellow is Navarre,

pink is Castile and Leon, purple is France, blue is Portugal and green is Aragon.

The Capitulation of Granada 1492The Capitulation of Granada 1492 by F. Padilla: Boabdil before Ferdinand and Isabellaby F. Padilla: Boabdil before Ferdinand and Isabella

La Mota or Castle of the MoatValladolid - Castilla y León  

Medina del Campo was a very important city in Spain.  In Medina, we visited the Castillo de la Mota, or Castle of the Moat which at one time belonged to King Juan II,

Isabel’s father.  This castle was built before the rein of the Catholic monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel.  Isabel died there. Its main purpose was to protect its inhabitants from invaders.  The monarchs did live in this castle for a short time.  Later, it became a

state prison.

Capturing a medieval castle was a lofty goal for many commanders in the Middle Ages and battles were often centered around these fortresses. Since

medieval castles occupied such strategic points along trade routes, ports and rivers, they had the highest military value. Prime locations for castle

construction include high, rocky ground…mountain passes…isolated peninsulas…and lake islands.

Archery served as defense, but longbows were more effective

on open battlefields. As such, the crossbow

became very popular for

both the attacking and

defending armies.

Arming Sword

Bow and

Arrow

dirk, misericorde,poniard, rondel,

scramasaxPollaxe

War hammers

MaceAssorte

d dagger

s

Mace

Sword and Shield Sword and Shield

The most important people, were the Lord,

the lady and the Bishop

People of the CastlePeople of the Castle

Many different people lived in and around a castle. The lord Many different people lived in and around a castle. The lord and lady, of course, were there, but one could also find and lady, of course, were there, but one could also find

everybody from knights to cooks in and around the castle everybody from knights to cooks in and around the castle grounds.grounds.

Who Are They?Who Are They?

Atilliator Skilled castles

worker who made

crossbows.

Butler Cared for the cellar

and was in charge of wine and

beer

Castilian Resident owner or person in

charge of a castle.

Chaplain Provided spiritual

welfare for laborers and the castle

garrison.

Cook Roasted, broiled,

and baked food in the fireplaces and ovens

Knight A professional soldier Messenger

s Servants of the lord who

carried receipts,

letters, and commoditie

s.

   

Castles were not just buildings, they were fortresses made Castles were not just buildings, they were fortresses made to protect people during military conflict. As a result, most to protect people during military conflict. As a result, most castles shared some basic parts that helped them serve castles shared some basic parts that helped them serve

their purpose. their purpose.

Parts of a castleParts of a castle

The first thing that distinguished a castle was the The first thing that distinguished a castle was the moat moat or or ditchditch. Most were filled with deep water to . Most were filled with deep water to prevent enemies from coming in, but even those without water stopped intruders because the deep, prevent enemies from coming in, but even those without water stopped intruders because the deep, steep walls prevented the enemy from entering. steep walls prevented the enemy from entering.

The only way to cross a moat was on the The only way to cross a moat was on the drawbridgedrawbridge. These wooden structures could be raised or . These wooden structures could be raised or lowered depending on whether or not the people in the castles wanted you to come in. Ropes or chains lowered depending on whether or not the people in the castles wanted you to come in. Ropes or chains were attached to the end of the bridge and then rigged to a pulley so that guards were able to quickly were attached to the end of the bridge and then rigged to a pulley so that guards were able to quickly raise it. raise it.

Upon crossing the drawbridge, you would reach the Upon crossing the drawbridge, you would reach the curtaincurtain, or wall. This wall surrounding the castle , or wall. This wall surrounding the castle was strong enough to survive a battering ram, a common weapon, and could be anywhere between 8 was strong enough to survive a battering ram, a common weapon, and could be anywhere between 8 and 20 feet thick. (That's as wide as the height of a 2-story building!) and 20 feet thick. (That's as wide as the height of a 2-story building!)

A A gatehousegatehouse was built into the curtain. At first it was just a simple door by which to go in and out of was built into the curtain. At first it was just a simple door by which to go in and out of the castle, but over time that changed. Because enemy armies often came to this area, an iron grate the castle, but over time that changed. Because enemy armies often came to this area, an iron grate was added that could be put down to block entrance, in addition to heavy wooden doors. Small holes, was added that could be put down to block entrance, in addition to heavy wooden doors. Small holes, called murder holes, were added to the ceiling above the main entrance to pour boiling liquid down on called murder holes, were added to the ceiling above the main entrance to pour boiling liquid down on entering enemies. entering enemies.

TowersTowers were also a part of the curtain. They allowed people to look about and keep watch outside the were also a part of the curtain. They allowed people to look about and keep watch outside the castles walls. In addition, at times they kept prisoners. For example, the Tower of London in England castles walls. In addition, at times they kept prisoners. For example, the Tower of London in England was well known for the important political prisoner kept within its walls. was well known for the important political prisoner kept within its walls.

The The Keep Keep of the castle was the highest point and the center of defense.  The strongest and most secure of the castle was the highest point and the center of defense.  The strongest and most secure place in a castle. place in a castle.

Inside the castles walls were many things. There was a Inside the castles walls were many things. There was a kitchenkitchen where the cooks made meals. The where the cooks made meals. The great hallgreat hall was where everybody ate and the servants slept. Court jesters often sang, juggled, and told was where everybody ate and the servants slept. Court jesters often sang, juggled, and told stories here to amuse the lord and his family. stories here to amuse the lord and his family. StablesStables were used to house livestock of all sorts and were used to house livestock of all sorts and each castle had a each castle had a chapelchapel that could be located in a tower or gatehouse. The chapel sometimes served that could be located in a tower or gatehouse. The chapel sometimes served as a private church for the lord and his family even when there was another church in a nearby town. as a private church for the lord and his family even when there was another church in a nearby town. Castles also had one or more Castles also had one or more houseshouses built in for people to stay. Often there was a lord's house and built in for people to stay. Often there was a lord's house and then one or two others, depending on how many people were living at that particular castle. then one or two others, depending on how many people were living at that particular castle.

Inside a CastleInside a CastleCastles looked cool on the outside, but really they Castles looked cool on the outside, but really they were cold, damp, and poorly lit. The only heating were cold, damp, and poorly lit. The only heating was provided by fireplaces in each room and castles was provided by fireplaces in each room and castles had to be lit by torches because they were very dark had to be lit by torches because they were very dark inside. inside.

People tended to spend much time outdoors to get People tended to spend much time outdoors to get away from the dampness of the castle. Tapestries away from the dampness of the castle. Tapestries were hung on the wall to help brighten up the halls were hung on the wall to help brighten up the halls and keep in heat. and keep in heat. The main furniture in the great hall were wooden benches and large tables

made by laying wood planks across other benches. At night, the table was taken down to make room for the servants who slept on the floor. The floors were covered year-round with reeds, bones, and scraps of food. When the room began to smell, the servants added more reeds and sprinkled spices to help get rid of the odor. Once a year, the servants replaced the soiled reeds with new ones, and the whole process started again. The king and his family often shared a single room where their sleeping quarters were separated only by curtains.

The king's kitchen staff decorated most of the The king's kitchen staff decorated most of the food before they served it. Sometimes when food before they served it. Sometimes when meat was served, the servants put the fur or meat was served, the servants put the fur or feathers back on the meat to make it look alive! feathers back on the meat to make it look alive! On the other hand, because there was no On the other hand, because there was no refrigeration, the food spoiled quickly. refrigeration, the food spoiled quickly. Sometimes when food was spoiled, they just Sometimes when food was spoiled, they just dumped extra gravy on it and served it anyway. dumped extra gravy on it and served it anyway. One of the only ways to preserve and season One of the only ways to preserve and season food was to salt all the meat. food was to salt all the meat. 

In fact, since salt was so important at the In fact, since salt was so important at the

medieval table, it began to be a sort of status medieval table, it began to be a sort of status symbol. Most great halls only had one large salt symbol. Most great halls only had one large salt container, and where you sat in relation to it container, and where you sat in relation to it told people how important you were. The more told people how important you were. The more important people sat "above the salt," and important people sat "above the salt," and those who were less important sat "below the those who were less important sat "below the salt." During the evening meals, the lord and salt." During the evening meals, the lord and his family sat upon a raised platform and his family sat upon a raised platform and watched court jesters who sang, juggled, and watched court jesters who sang, juggled, and told stories.told stories.Castles had no modern plumbing, but the Castles had no modern plumbing, but the garbage disposal presented no problem. The garbage disposal presented no problem. The servants dumped it in the moat. Bathrooms in servants dumped it in the moat. Bathrooms in castles often emptied right into the moat as castles often emptied right into the moat as well. Since people in the Middle Ages believed well. Since people in the Middle Ages believed that washing too much could make you sick, that washing too much could make you sick, bathing became a once-a-month affair. Most bathing became a once-a-month affair. Most didn't even bother with soap because the soaps didn't even bother with soap because the soaps were so strong that they could eat holes were so strong that they could eat holes through cloth. The royal family preferred dirt to through cloth. The royal family preferred dirt to holes, so wash days were few and far betweenholes, so wash days were few and far between

King’s Kitchen and Bath

The word "dungeon" is a corruption of the French term, "donjon." Interestingly, a castle's donjon did not function as the prison. Rather, the donjon was the great tower, later called the keep. Normally, the great keep was a self-sufficient tower housing the lord and his family, which, at times, became a sturdy refuge capable of withstanding at least a brief siege. Over the centuries, the keep devolved from the castle's most formidable tower, to a storage tower, and then to a prison tower. Hence, the mutation of the French term.

Frequently, the castle's prison was located near or inside the main gatehouse to prevent the enemy from gaining access to the interior. Then, the guards could also keep a close watch over their captives.

The oubliette must have been an incredibly brutal prison, with or without the physical tortures that may have accompanied imprisonment. Known throughout Europe and even in the Middle East, these early castle prisons were usually shaped like slender cylinders. The only entrance into the windowless chambers was through a trap door in the ceiling, which opened into the floor of the guardroom above and was usually too high for the prisoners to grasp in an escape attempt. The doomed prisoners were tied to a rope and then lowered into the oubliette. They received food the same way. As indicated above, sometimes the oubliette sat below ground level. On occasion, the pit filled with water that seeped up from the earthen floor, making survival almost impossible.

The Dungeon

1200 - 1500 Christian Inquisition tries Heretics

The Roman Catholic Church establishes and maintains a religious tribunal to try heretics, individuals whose beliefs differ

from official church doctrine, or orthodoxy. The Inquisition is most virulent in 15th-century Spain, embattled by invading

Islamic Moors of Northern Africa. During the course of the Inquisition, thousands of people, some innocent are tortured and

executed in castle dungeons.

The InquisitionThe Inquisition

No this is not magic !

Optical Illusion 55: Optical Illusion 55: Crazy Spinning CirclesCrazy Spinning CirclesThis is a static image, This is a static image,

it contains NO animationit contains NO animation..

Conducting such an

experiment could have made you a

heretic during the days of

the Inquisition

In the castle walls, wail echoes of the past.

Each century new, yet olden curses often last.

In each corridor,Stains are cast.

Misfortune woes,aching shadows a vast.

Who do you think still haunts the

castle?

!Adios!

When

•When did the middle ages begin in Spain?•When was the High Middle Ages?•When did they end approximately?•The word “medieval” in Latin literally means what?•Name at least three things the were important contributions to society during the High Middle Ages in Europe?

•Who invaded Spain in the year 711?•What new things were introduced to Spanish culture by the invaders?•In what year was the beginning of the invaders decline?•What year was Granada recaptured by Spain?•What are the names of the Catholic King and Queen of Spain? •What parts of Spain did they rule before their union?•What does the word “castilla” mean in Spanish?•What part of Spain did the Spanish language originate?•Who is Count Fernán González?

•Who is Fernando I?•Who is King Sancho “The Great” of Navarre?•Who is Alfonso VI? •Who is Fernando III "The Saint”?•Why was Medina del Campo and important city in Spain?•What landmark is in Medina del Campo and what important people lived in it?•What did the landmark later become?•Name at least five Medieval weapons.•Who are the most important people that live in a castle•Name the seven types of people and their jobs that are important in maintaining a castle/fortress.

•What is the purpose of a moat, drawbridge and gatehouse?•Explain what is the function of the keep. •What are castles like on the inside?•What was the most important food additive that determined a person’s status and why?•What is a castle’s “donjon” and what is its function?•What is the oubliette?•What are the dates of the Inquisition?•What does the word “Heretic” mean?•Why was this practice started and what was involved?