A true medieval castle was a fortified residence that balanced military defense with noble living. Key characteristics included the Keep (or Donjon), a massive, thick-walled central tower that served as the final line of defense and the lord's primary quarters. Surrounding the keep were the Curtain Walls, high stone barriers often topped with Crenellations (battlements) that allowed archers to fire while remaining protected. Defense was further enhanced by Moats (either wet or dry) and Gatehouses featuring a Portcullis (a heavy iron grate) and "murder holes" for dropping projectiles on attackers. Beyond combat, the Great Hall was the social heart, used for feasting and legal court. In the later 2026 view of castle architecture, we recognize that these structures were also symbols of "Prestige Architecture," designed to intimidate local populations and rival lords through their sheer scale and dominant positions on hilltops or near vital river crossings.