How to attack (and defend) a medieval castle

Connor C. Wilson |

TED-Ed

• June 2026

Medieval European castles weren’t just for passive defense and withstanding enemy onslaughts; they were symbols of power, private residences, and hubs of governance. Castles regularly served as bases for launching attacks and as a way to control local populations. So, how were these formidable fortresses built? Connor C. Wilson explores how the design of these structures evolved over time. [Directed by Layron DeJarnette, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].