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The Role of Machicolations and Arrow Slits in Medieval Castle Defense

Machicolations and arrow slits were vital architectural features in medieval castles designed for defense. Machicolations, or "murder holes," allowed defenders to drop projectiles on attackers below, serving as an effective means of protection. Originating from the Norman and Plantagenet periods, they typically spanned battlements or jutted from walls. Arrow slits, also known as loopholes, provided narrow openings for archers to fire arrows while minimizing exposure. These innovations were crucial for safeguarding the castle's inhabitants and property against enemies.

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The Role of Machicolations and Arrow Slits in Medieval Castle Defense

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  1. Machicolations and Arrow Slits By: Gabrielle Robinson

  2. Machicolations Definition- an opening in the floor or between the supporting corbels of the battement in which the attacker can drop missiles upon their adversaries.

  3. Background information (Machicolations) The word “Machicolations” originated from the French word “marcher “ meaning to crush. Machicolations were known as “murder holes” on account that an enemy was spotted the defender would throw a giant rock to crush them.

  4. Origin of Machicolations “Machicolations” were introduced with Norman and Plantagenet castles during 1066-1485.

  5. Design of “machicolations” • Machicolations were platforms that spanned across the whole battlement while others stuck out from the wall like balconies. • The purpose of the machicolation was for the soliders to quickly follow the enemies pattern for the battements.

  6. Arrow Slits Definition – a narrow opening in a wall through which defenders inside the castle can fire arrows swiftly to defend against their foe.

  7. Background information (Arrow Slits) • Many Arrow slits are also called loopholes, arrow loops and bow loops. • The arrow slits were designed to accommodate the archers and his bow whether it be a long bow, short bow or crossbow.

  8. Origin (arrow slits) “Arrow slits” were introduced with Plantagenet castles during 1200's.

  9. Design of “arrow slits” • The arrow slit was originally created as a vertical two inch wide slot with the horizontal length ranging from 3 to 9 feet. • For example, the short bow was fired vertically while the crossbow fired horizontally giving the reason for the cross shaped opening called “Oilets”.

  10. The Defense methods Machicolations Arrow slits • To defend the royalties inside the castle by pouring boil water or oil upon the enemy once it reached a certain point under the machicolation. • To defend the wealthy elite by shooting arrows to kill enemies from long rang or short rang.

  11. Thanks for Watching I hope you enjoyed it. ☺

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