Sieges: Attacking and Defending a Castle

History · Medieval Times · ages 7-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

How did an arrow slit help a defender?
- It made the whole wall too weak for anyone to climb
- It let them shoot while exposing less of their body
- It stopped every arrow from ever entering the castle
Which machine used an arm and sling to throw heavy stones?
- Trebuchet
- Battering ram
- Siege tower
Every medieval siege ended within a single day.
Circle one: True False
What could defenders do through murder holes above a gate passage?
- Drop stones onto attackers below
- Shoot arrows outward through narrow wall slits
- Store food to use when deliveries were blocked
Why did attackers try to move a siege tower close to a castle wall?
- To give defenders a new staircase down to the ground
- To replace the castle's gate with a wooden doorway
- To let soldiers cross from the tower onto the wall
The picture lists possible endings of a siege, not stages in order. How many possible endings are listed?
Answer: ______________
Mia says thick walls alone let defenders hold out for months, even without supplies. What does her explanation leave out?
- Thick stone walls could replace stored food
- Blocking deliveries gave defenders fresh supplies
- Defenders still needed food and water
Ali says defenders behind castle walls could never be hurt. Which correction fits the lesson?
- Standing behind a wall stopped every possible attack
- Walls gave protection, but defenders could still be hurt
- Defenders were safe only after removing all arrow slits

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

It let them shoot while exposing less of their body · The narrow opening offered some protection while allowing the defender to shoot.
Trebuchet · A trebuchet used an arm and sling to throw stones.
False · Some sieges lasted weeks or months, although others ended sooner.
Drop stones onto attackers below · Murder holes were openings above the passage, allowing stones to be dropped onto attackers below.
To let soldiers cross from the tower onto the wall · Soldiers could climb the tower and cross onto the wall if it reached close enough.
3 · The list shows surrender, arriving help, and attackers leaving: three possibilities.
Defenders still needed food and water · Walls could resist attack, but people still needed food and water while deliveries were blocked.
Walls gave protection, but defenders could still be hurt · Walls and narrow openings reduced danger but did not remove every risk.