10th-Century Castles — Motte-and-Bailey Fortresses and the Rise of Feudalism

The 10th century saw the explosion of motte-and-bailey castles — artificial earthen mounds topped with a wooden tower and surrounded by a palisade. Simple to build and effective for defence, they dotted the French landscape, embodying the authority of local lords. Feudalism organised itself around these strongpoints, which controlled roads, river crossings and valleys. Architecture remained largely timber-based, though the first stone towers began appearing in wealthier regions.