I WONDER - What Is A Moat?

Moats were water-filled ditches surrounding castles, serving as a primary defense mechanism. They could be up to 30 feet wide and 12 feet deep. Bridges over moats were often removable or had drawbridges to prevent enemy crossing. Besides defense, moats also functioned as sewer systems for castles.

What was the primary purpose of moats around castles?

• To grow aquatic plants

• To provide a scenic view

• To act as a first line of defense

• To store water for the castle

How wide could moats be in some castles?

• 20 feet

• 10 feet

• 40 feet

• 30 feet

What feature did bridges over moats often have?

• They were made of stone

• They were fixed and immovable

• They could be raised or removed

• They were decorated with flags

What was a common depth for moats in some castles?

• 12 feet

• 10 feet

• 8 feet

• 5 feet

Besides defense, what was another function of moats?

• To act as a sewer system

• To serve as a garden

• To house fish

• To provide drinking water