Why are medieval staircases clockwise?

The Ingenious Reason Medieval Castle Staircases Were Built Clockwise. Just as the clockwise spiral hindered attackers, so, too, did it favor the castle’s defenders. As they descended, they could swing their swords in arcs that matched the curve of the outer wall, and use the inner wall as a partial shield.

Which direction did the stairs of a castle turn?

A recent finding by blogger Will Kalif explained, the medieval architects built the staircases to wrap around in a clockwise direction in order to disadvantage any enemies who might climb them.

When was the stair invented?

Ancient Stairs Ancient settlements that have been excavated, such as Mohenjo Daro in Pakistan, have stairs featured as part of the structure, and it is believed that they were built around 2500 BCE. That means that there is physical evidence of the architectural element of stairs dating back to at least 4000 years ago.

Why are stairs built clockwise?

Many castles have spiral staircases that were fashioned in a specific way. Though it’s not always obvious to the eye, most of these staircases were actually designed clockwise. It turns out that the direction of the staircases was meant to make it harder for an attacker coming up the stairs to draw their sword.

How medieval castles were defended?

Battlements were walls on the roof of a castle. They had higher walls, called merlons, with lower gaps between, called crenels. Defenders would use crossbows to shoot arrows through the crenels,and then hide behind the higher merlons.

Why are the stairs in medieval castles curved clockwise?

There’s a theory floating around on the internet that states the stairwells in medieval castles were narrow and curved clockwise deliberately to impede sword use. According to it, if you’re heading up the stairs, with a sword in your right hand, this design would limit your ability to swing swords.

Why are the stairs facing the direction of the sword?

It turns out that the direction of the staircases was meant to make it harder for an attacker coming up the stairs to draw their sword. If their sword hand (usually their right hand) was along the interior curve of the wall, it would be much harder for them to unleash their sword and swing it quickly to attack.

Were medieval staircases designed to be used as a defense feature?

The steep steps clearly aren’t a defense feature; on the contrary, they are a clear sign that medieval staircases simply weren’t designed to be fought in. ABOVE: Photograph of the extremely steep, narrow staircase of the northwest corner buttress of the Norman keep of Goodrich Castle, constructed between c. 1148 and c. 1152.

Why do stairs have a curved right hand?

According to Will Kalif of All Things Medieval, “this meant that any attackers coming up the stairs had their sword hands (right hand) against the interior curve of the wall and this made it very difficult for them to swing their swords.”