I WONDER - What Is A Water Or Moat Castle?

Water castles were strategically built on islands or surrounded by moats, serving as both a defense mechanism and an aesthetic enhancement. These water barriers made it difficult for attackers to approach, while drawbridges and gates controlled access. Some moats were even stocked with fish, providing food and an additional deterrent to invaders.

Where were water castles typically constructed?

• In dense forests

• On islands or surrounded by moats

• In open fields

• On mountain tops

What dual purposes did the water barriers serve?

• Transportation and trade

• Defense and aesthetic beauty

• Aesthetic beauty and irrigation

• Defense and storage

How was access to water castles controlled?

• By guards on horseback

• Through secret tunnels

• By high walls

• With drawbridges and gates

What additional feature did some moats have?

• They were filled with oil

• They were electrified

• They had floating gardens

• They were stocked with fish

What was an added benefit of stocking moats with fish?

• It made the water cleaner

• It helped in irrigation

• It attracted birds

• It provided food and deterrence