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As the castles evolved, architects began to replace wooden fortifications with more robust stone curtain walls featuring crenellations for defensive positioning. A concealed sally port allowed for stealthy exits and intelligence gathering during sieges.

The Keep: The Heart of the Castle

In some regions, builders opted for stone towers known as keeps or donjons, which functioned as secure living spaces. The design of a keep was often rectangular, rising two to four stories high, with thick walls that provided formidable defenses. The construction process could span a decade and require considerable resources, resulting in keeps primarily built by powerful nobles and monarchs.