This scholarly volume traces the history of the castle from its ancient roots in the Levant, through Roman times and the Middle Ages, to the fanciful chateaux of the Sixteenth century. Profusely illustrated with over 200 photographs, diagrams, and illustrations, Castles explores innovations in design, siege operations, artillery, living conditions, and clearly explains the intriguing features of construction, such as moats, baileys, keeps, loopholes, and more. The reader is also taken on a guided tour of over 120 famous castles including Hadrian’s Wall, the Tower of London, the City of Troy, and dozens of others. Castle enthusiasts, military buffs, travellers, and anyone interested in the evolution and development of the castle will find this extensively researched book an informative and absorbing account.