10/11/30 22:42:34
There would often be two portcullises to the main entrance.
The one closer to the inside would be closed first and then the one farther away.
This was used to trap the enemy and often,
burning wood or fire-heated sand would be dropped onto them from the roof.
Hot oil, however, was not used in this manner, contrary to popular belief; it was far too valuable and rare at the time to waste in this way.
There were often arrowslits in the sides of the walls, enabling archers and crossbowmen to eliminate the trapped group of attackers.