We just learned about the Drawbridge.
Another castle fortification is the Portcullis.
This is a big heavy door to a castle that opens and closes by sliding up and down.
It was set into grooves on both walls, and then using ropes, pulleys and cranks it could be raised and lowered.
Because it was set into the walls and was very heavy, it couldn't be shoved open as easy as a normal door.
Some castles would even make two portcullis doors, so they could trap the attackers in between them.
(from: wikipedia - portcullis)
Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Himeji Castle
