Friday, April 30, 2010

5-Unconquerable Fortresses in Human History

1.Masada-Israel.
Since we are talking about some of the unconquerable castles and fortresses in the world than we cannot miss out this awesome structure that has really stood the test of time. Masada is the name of site where you will find various fortifications and palaces. The site is built on top of an isolated rock plateau in Israel and is very near to the Dead Sea. Masada sits on the eastern edge of the cliff which is 1300 feet high which makes it one of the most difficult fortresses to conquer.

2.Alamut-Iran.
Another such fortress that have remained unconquerable throughout its history is Alamut which also means Eagle¡¯s Nest.The fortress is built on a high mountain which was almost impossible to climb and even if attempts were made to climb the Alamut, it would take enough time for the person to make it to the top which means that the soldiers on the top have enough time to lock and kill their targets.

Alamut is located in the central Alborz Mountains near Kazvin Province which is just hundred kilometers from today¡¯s Tehran in Iran. The fortress was built by Hamdollah Mostowfi at the height of 2100 meters and there was only one way up to the fortress which was heavily guarded by the soldiers and warriors which makes that route impossible to penetrate.
 

3.Janjira-India.
Though, there are many such fortifications in India that have played a significant role in the development of a particular kingdom or a state but Murud-Janjira remains on top of the list when it comes to undefeated fortress in India. Though, on the first look the fortress looks like a very common fortress that can be conquered easily but that is not the case because of its unique location. The fortress is like an island surrounded by water from all sides and therefore it gives a clear picture to the army inside the fort of any intruders coming through the sea. This fortress was originally built by Fisherman Kings of Konkan to combat against the Muslim rulers in 1490. However, the word Janjira comes from Arabic word Jazeera which means an island. The fort was later captured by Shivaji and it became one of the headquarters for the Maratha Empire.

4.Malbork Castle-Poland.
The castle now is better known as Malbork Castle because it is situated in Malbork. However, the castle was built by the Teutonic Order who were knights interested in helping sick and injured Catholics in Poland. The castle remains as one of the classic examples of medieval castle and today it has been named as UNESCO World Heritage Site in Poland. The castle also holds the record of world¡¯s largest brick gothic castle. The castle was built in 1274 and was named as Marienburg after the Virgin Mary. The castle remains undefeated till date because of its unique location. The surrounding areas near the castle are very flat and does not give any chance to the enemy to hide and therefore the warriors have ample of time to get ready and prepare the war before the enemy approaches from distance.

5.Palakon Castle-Ukraine.
The castle is intelligently designed and is located on a volcanic hill which gives this castle a unique location to safeguard itself from intruders and enemies. The castle was built by French engineers and has also remained the residential place of the Royal family. The castle has also been used as a political prison. The castle is divided into low, medium and high castle where the high castle is lavishly decorated for the Royal family. Today, this impregnable castle has been turned into a museum for the people to see. 

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