KINGFISHER KNOWLEDGE takes readers into the heart of a subject.Stunning photographs and thought-provoking digital artwork capture the essence of each topic, while compelling text guides the reader through a wealth of information. Each chapter encourages the reader to discover more through links to websites, books and places to visit, and also suggests possible career opportunities.

KFK Castles & Forts takes you on an amazing journey back through time.From the first Bronze Age fortified lake villages, travel to some of the world's greatest fortresses and castles. Discover the secrets of Masada,King Herod's Judean fortress; visit Chateau Gaillard, a medieval French castle under siege; marvel at the architecture of Japan's Himeji castle; find out more about America's Fort Ticonderoga,and the part it played in the Seven Years' War; and learn about one of the most famous Crusader castles, Syria's Krak des Chevaliers, home to the medieval Knights Hospitallers.

FOREWORD

CHAPTER 1

THE FIRST FORTS

Bronze Age fortifications

Maiden castle

The Great Wall of China

Masada

Castei Sant'Angelo

Ait Benhaddou

Summary

CHAPTER 2

THE GREAT AGE

OF CASTLES

Motte and bailey castles

Building in stone

Chateau Gaillard

Concentric castles

Krak des Chevaliers

Riverbank castles

The Alhambra of Granada

The great walled fortress

towns of Europe

Himeji castle

Sacsahuaman

Golconda

Summary

CHAPTER 3

THE END OF AN ERA

Fort Ticonderoga

Fort Sumter

The Eureka stockade

Fort Douaumont

Romantic castles

Understanding ruins

Summary

Glossary

Index

Acknowledgements