Useless (But Fun!) Fact For Today

Emerikol · 11-14-2022, 12:48 PM

14 Nov 22

It's been a few days since my last one of these, but here it is!

Ever wonder why most staircases in medieval castles were built to be extremely narrow and spiraling in a clockwise direction?
Since medieval castles were built mainly as fortifications, staircases were designed to make it extremely difficult for enemy combatants to fight their way up.
Since most soldiers were right-handed, they would need to round each curve of the inner wall before attempting to strike, inevitably exposing themselves in the process. The clockwise spiral staircase also allowed the defenders to use the inner wall as a partial shield and easily allow them to swing their weapon without being hindered by the curvature of the outer wall.
The stairs were also intentionally poorly lit and built to be uneven, making it even more difficult for the attackers to gain any sort of balance or momentum during their fight up to capture the castle.

TominMO · 11-15-2022, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emerikol

14 Nov 22

It's been a few days since my last one of these, but here it is!

Ever wonder why most staircases in medieval castles were built to be extremely narrow and spiraling in a clockwise direction?
Since medieval castles were built mainly as fortifications, staircases were designed to make it extremely difficult for enemy combatants to fight their way up.
Since most soldiers were right-handed, they would need to round each curve of the inner wall before attempting to strike, inevitably exposing themselves in the process. The clockwise spiral staircase also allowed the defenders to use the inner wall as a partial shield and easily allow them to swing their weapon without being hindered by the curvature of the outer wall.
The stairs were also intentionally poorly lit and built to be uneven, making it even more difficult for the attackers to gain any sort of balance or momentum during their fight up to capture the castle.

Great idea. I shall incorporate this design into my next house.

Presumably once the attackers figured out what was happening, they sent their left-handed fighters up first.

Mudflap · 11-15-2022, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emerikol

14 Nov 22

It's been a few days since my last one of these, but here it is!

Ever wonder why most staircases in medieval castles were built to be extremely narrow and spiraling in a clockwise direction?
Since medieval castles were built mainly as fortifications, staircases were designed to make it extremely difficult for enemy combatants to fight their way up.
Since most soldiers were right-handed, they would need to round each curve of the inner wall before attempting to strike, inevitably exposing themselves in the process. The clockwise spiral staircase also allowed the defenders to use the inner wall as a partial shield and easily allow them to swing their weapon without being hindered by the curvature of the outer wall.
The stairs were also intentionally poorly lit and built to be uneven, making it even more difficult for the attackers to gain any sort of balance or momentum during their fight up to capture the castle.

Some Japanese castles use the same general idea by making the ceilings very low so invaders couldn't swing their swords.

TominMO · 11-15-2022, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mudflap

Some Japanese castles use the same general idea by making the ceilings very low so invaders couldn't swing their swords.

Solution: midget warriors.

Correction: left-handed midget warriors.

11-14-2022, 12:48 PM	#1
Emerikol Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Carrollton, GA Posts: 1,465	14 Nov 22 It's been a few days since my last one of these, but here it is! Ever wonder why most staircases in medieval castles were built to be extremely narrow and spiraling in a clockwise direction? Since medieval castles were built mainly as fortifications, staircases were designed to make it extremely difficult for enemy combatants to fight their way up. Since most soldiers were right-handed, they would need to round each curve of the inner wall before attempting to strike, inevitably exposing themselves in the process. The clockwise spiral staircase also allowed the defenders to use the inner wall as a partial shield and easily allow them to swing their weapon without being hindered by the curvature of the outer wall. The stairs were also intentionally poorly lit and built to be uneven, making it even more difficult for the attackers to gain any sort of balance or momentum during their fight up to capture the castle. __________________ First Rule of Aviation: -Never Pass Up The Opportunity to Pee I was struggling to get my wife's attention; I sat down on the couch and looked comfortable. That did the trick! My wife says I only have two faults. I don't listen and something else... If at first you don't succeed, try doing it the way I told you to... The Stable: 2005 Yamaha V-Star 650 - SOLD 2015 Suzuki DR 650 2015 RPS Hawk 250 - SOLD 2016 Ural Gear Up
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