Images

The Hall of the Knights at the castle of Krak des Chevaliers, Syria. Originally built for the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 CE, the castle was given to the Knights Hospitaller in 1144 CE, who extensively rebuilt it.

Mural towers of the castle of Krak des Chevaliers, Syria. Originally built for the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 CE, the castle was given to the Knights Hospitaller in 1144 CE, who extensively rebuilt it.

The barrel-vaulted chapel of the castle of Krak des Chevaliers, Syria. Originally built for the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 CE, the castle was given to the Knights Hospitaller in 1144 CE, who extensively rebuilt it.

The castle of Krak des Chevaliers, Syria. Originally built for the Emir of Aleppo in 1031 CE, the castle was given to the Knights Hospitaller in 1144 CE, who extensively rebuilt it.

An arcade within the tower keep of Rochester Castle, Kent, England, 11th century CE.

Tower with merlons and crenets (the raised and open parts of battlements), Caerphilly Castle, Wales. 1268-1290 CE.

A portion of the wing-wall, Caerphilly Castle, Wales. 1268-1290 CE.

An example of a castle vice or spiral staircase, Caerphilly Castle, Wales. 1268-1290 CE.

Etchmiadzon Cathedral, Armenia. Built in the ancient city of Vagharshapat in the 4th century CE, the current version dates to 483 CE.

A medieval illustration of John II of France (r. 1350-1364 CE) knighting squires. (Grandes chroniques de France, Bibliothèque Nationale de France)