Difference Between Castle and Fort

Main Difference – Castle vs. Fort

Castle and Fort are two similar structures. The main difference between Castle and fort is that a Castle is a fortified residence of a nobleman or a king while a fort is a fortified building. You may have noticed that both these definitions contain the word ‘fortified’. This is the reason why many people think that these two words can be used interchangeably. But, this is not so. Castle is a place where noblemen or royalty live, but a fort serves a more military purpose.

What is a Castle

A castle can be defined as a fortified residence of a lord or a noble. The term castle is derived from the Latin word “castellum” meaning ‘fortified place.’ This architectural structure first came to usage in the Middle Ages (9^th and 10^th centuries) in Europe and the Middle East.

The primary purpose of a castle was to provide protection from the enemies. Castles were both offensive and defensive structures; they provided protection from the enemies and enabled the residents to plan their attack against the enemies. Therefore, architectural features like moats, baileys, gatehouses, keeps, curtain walls can be seen in many castles.

Castles also provided an administrative purpose, apart from military and domestic purpose. They served as an administrative center, controlling the feudal community.

What is a Fort

The word ‘fort’ is derived from the Latin term ‘fortis’, meaning ‘strong’. Fort is a fortified building. A fort is mainly constructed for military purposes, i.e. to defend against the enemies. It can cover a whole city or a town. It is said that ancient civilizations used forts to defend themselves from enemies. It is said that this method of defense was first used by people of the Indu valley civilization.

Red Fort and Agra Fort in India, Fort Laramie, and Fort Bridger in the United States are some examples of famous forts in the world.