* Spears and polearms: These weapons were used to keep attackers at bay and could be used to thrust or strike.
* Swords: Swords were used for close combat and could be used to slash or stab.
* Axes: Axes were used for both chopping and hacking and could be used to break down doors and walls.
* Maces: Maces were used for crushing armor and could be used to bludgeon opponents.
* Flails: Flails were used for swinging and could be used to strike opponents at a distance.
* Crossbows and bows and arrows: These weapons were used to attack attackers from a distance.
* Boiling water and hot oil: These were poured down on attackers from the castle walls.
* Rocks and other projectiles: These were thrown down on attackers from the castle walls.
Defensive Structures
* Motte and bailey castles: These castles were built on a mound of earth (the motte) with a wooden tower on top. The bailey was a walled courtyard surrounding the motte.
* Keep: A keep was a large, stone tower that was built in the center of a castle. It was the strongest part of the castle and could be used as a last resort if the rest of the castle was overrun.
* Arrow slits: These were narrow openings in the castle walls that allowed defenders to shoot arrows at attackers.
* Crenellations: These were battlements on the castle walls that allowed defenders to shoot arrows or pour boiling water down on attackers.
* Portcullis: These were heavy gates that could be raised and lowered to block off the entrance to the castle.
* Drawbridges: These were bridges that could be raised and lowered to allow access to the castle.