answersLogoWhite

0

They were not called "keeps" until after the medieval period had ended (and castles were no longer being built). The word used at the time was donjon.

The word donjon gives a clue as to the main function of the building - it comes from Latin dominium, a place of lordship. The main purpose was to establish authority and domination over an area with a huge, strong tower which could be plainly seen for miles. It also served as a centre of administration for records, for collecting taxes, for judicial trials and for granting legal permissions.

In the very rare times of war the donjon served as a final refuge for the castle garrison - but it also became a prison for them since there would be no way out and they could eventually starve. Donjons looked impressive, but as defensive structures they had limited value - the garrison could only defend from the roof or from arrow slits at certain points, but there were always blind spots they could not cover.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?