Category: medieval
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Origin of the Castle

The first modern castles were brought to England by the Norman invasion in 1066. These structures were usually built on top of ancient defensive sites atop high ground. Early castles were often made of wood and were used primarily for defense.
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The Heavy Plough: Northern Europe’s Saving Grace

The heavy plough allowed the growth of Northern European cities, since, for the first time, the heavy clay soil could be easily farmed.