Castles constructed in rural areas were located near important features such as fertile land, water sources, and mills. Besides their military purposes, castles also acted as symbols of power and served as centers of administration. They also formed a base from which raids and battles were planned and launched. The castles offered protection from enemies. The nobles took the initiative to build castles in order to defend the acquired territories. When the Carolingian empire fell, its territory was divided among princes and lords. History of CastlesĬastles are an innovation of the European and they emerged in the 9 th and 10 th centuries. However, the castles shared some features such as arrowslits and curtain walls. For the period of 900 years when castles were built, they adopted many designs. A castle is also distinct from a fortress, as a fortress was not always occupied by a noble. A castle is different from a palace, as a palace is not fortified. Scholars define a castle as a fortified residence of a noble or a lord. The word castle comes from the Latin word castellum, derived from the word castrum meaning a fortified place. There are many stunning examples of medieval castles that still stand today. European nobles built and occupied castles. The medieval castles refer to castles built during the Middle Ages, Castles are fortified structures mainly built in the Middle East and Europe in the middle ages.