Bastions of Power

Part 1 of our documentary follows their development from simple wooden fortifications to the most elaborate strongholds and residences.

We examine the military function of castles from the 11th to the 16th century. When the enemy was at their gates, they had to withstand battering rams, catapults, and sapping which called for ever new solutions by their defenders until, finally, large-calibre cannons spelt their end.