Battle Castle - Season 1

First aired: 2/22/2012 6 episodes

Dan Snow relives the history of six famous strongholds of the medieval world

Episodes

1. Krak des Chevaliers

Aired: 2/23/2012

Set high above the Syrian landscape, Krak des Chevaliers was built by the Knights Hospitaller to dominate the landscape and act as a symbol of Christian power. Its flawlessly-cut stones, steep slopes, and deadly entrance designed to resist any attacker. In 1271, a Muslim warrior king and his powerful army came to seize this crown jewel of Crusader castles and drive Christians from the Holy Land.

2. Château Gaillard

Aired: 3/1/2012

Towering above the River Seine, Chateau Gaillard was built by King Richard I to assert England's authority over his French holdings. Its multiple walls, deep moats and ingenious geometry were designed to terrify any foe. In 1203, a French king and his massive army lays siege, determined to push the English from the continent.

3. Dover Castle

Aired: 3/8/2012

High atop the white cliffs of southern England, Dover Castle was built by King Henry II to protect an empire. Its deadly gatehouses, layers of walls, and magnificent keep were engineered to crush the enemy. In 1216, an ambitious French prince and his determined troops descend to capture this key to England and with it, the English crown.

4. Conwy Castle

Aired: 3/15/2012

Positioned the wilds of northern Wales, Conwy Castle was one of several strongholds raised by King Edward I to rule over the Welsh. Its mighty towers, elongated arrow slits and majestic water gate were built to intimidate. In 1294, a rebel force arrives to put the king's castles, and English domination, to the ultimate test.

5. Malbork Castle

Aired: 3/22/2012

Stretched along the bank of the River Nogat in modern-day Poland, Malbork Castle was built by an elite group knights during the Baltic Crusades. Its distinct brick architecture, soaring walls, and deadly battlements were built to intimidate the local population. In 1410, a pagan-turned-king marches on the castle, determined to put an end to the Teutonic Order's reign.

6. Malaga

Aired: 3/29/2012

Located high above the Mediterranean coast, Gibralfaro Castle and its surrounding defenses are the monuments of a Muslim dynasty. Its daunting towers, brilliant water-storage, and one-of-a-kind passageway were engineered to withstand the most ambitious attacker. In 1487, King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella descend to capture this city and destroy the legacy it represents.