The average medieval castle siege involved many months of both sides waiting for the other side to give up. Why didn't they just swarm the walls and launch the heaviest rocks they could find at the Don Juan?

1) The Peace and Truth of God, Chivalric Codes, and the Just War Clause dictated when war was to take place and under what kind of circumstances. War was not to be waged on holy days, civilians were not be harmed, prisoners were not be mistreated or tortured, surrenders were to be accepted, and peaceful resolutions were to be sought over violence when possible. These were Christians concepts and about half of Europeans were practicing Christian during the Medieval Era. They cared about the faith, so these rules were followed regularly.

2) Medieval armies were much smaller than armies of the modern era. Armies were made up of knights and soldiers that were trained from a young age. It was a profession that few were naturally gifted for. Putting an army in high causality battles was risky as your soldiers were limited. Waiting outside a castle with troops could end the conflict with little deaths while sending wave after wave of knights could result in massive loses. In the modern era, more powerful and easier to wield weapons took the place of skill and natural ability, with more everyday people joining armies. Human life has lost its value when soldiers are so easily obtained.

3) Castles were very expensive and time consuming to make. The castle was often a strong defense and an economic, cultural, and religious center. It was not the kind of building to try to destroy. Instead, armies strategically attacked weak points hoping to find an entrance as oppose to blindly destroying towers and walls. If your goal was to capture a castle, you would want one that was intact. Castles also needed to be staffed. Many castles had over 50 people employed that were necessary for the its maintenance. Bringing a massive amount of destruction and death to a castle could undo the purpose of capturing it.



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