Traps (Esp. Ancient Traps)

[Henry]

Now that you mention it, how much do we know about ancient traps in the real world? Someone out there must've written a book on it, right? Or at least traps (and other defensive measures) in Egyptian tombs.

You know, we gamers talk and write about it so much, but, were there really that many trapped tombs and castles, etc. in the Ancient World? Did medieval castles really have that many traps, other than manned murder holes and boiling oil slots over gates and walls? Mechanics were not that advanced at the time, and the more complex, the more worthless the trap.

 

[mmadsen]

You know, we gamers talk and write about it so much, but, were there really that many trapped tombs and castles, etc. in the Ancient World? Did medieval castles really have that many traps, other than manned murder holes and boiling oil slots over gates and walls? Mechanics were not that advanced at the time, and the more complex, the more worthless the trap.

I don't think a typical medieval castle had any traps, per se, just the defensive structures you already mentioned (i.e. gates and holes from which to drop/shoot things). Egyptian tombs, on the other hand, we supposed to be trapped, and they certainly had "magical" wards, confusing tunnels, etc.

 

[mmadsen]

Anyone use "traps" that weren't intended as traps? A broken dumbwaiter, a fireworks display prepped to go off, rolled-up banners ready to be dropped down the sides of the palace, etc.