2. Changes in political and social structures: The rise of nation-states and the decline of feudalism led to a decrease in the need for castles as defensive strongholds. Instead, castles became more focused on comfort and luxury.
3. Changes in architectural styles: The Renaissance and Baroque periods saw the development of new architectural styles that emphasized symmetry, proportion, and classical motifs. Castles were no longer built in the old medieval style, but were instead designed to reflect the latest architectural trends.
4. Changes in technology: The development of new technologies, such as the printing press and the compass, made it possible to build castles that were more complex and sophisticated than ever before. Castles were now able to incorporate features such as drawbridges, portcullises, and machicolations.
5. Changes in society: The rise of the merchant class and the growth of cities led to a shift in the population from the countryside to the urban areas. This meant that there was less of a need for castles to protect rural areas, and more of a need for castles to protect urban centers.