Comparisons between Japanese Medieval Society and European Medieval Society
Japan and Europe are two places on opposite sides of the earth and yet their medieval societies had many similarities within the castle walls of their society, but they also had many differences. Most of which were discovered and known, when European settlers came to Japan.
Similarities between Medieval Japan and Europe
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Differences between Medieval Japan and Europe
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The castles of Medieval Japan and Medieval Europe would not have been that different, and although their design is very forign, their purpose is the same; to keep intruders out. Castles provided protection, but also showed of the wealth and status of the owner.
Both castles often had a moat surrounding the castle, this would have been very deep and wide, and would have caused a struggle for anyone wishing to cross, unless the drawbridge had been lowered.
Huge stone walls around the castle stood as massive barriers preventing attackers from climbing up and over.
Key holes or windows that ran along the edge of the castle would be filled with archers during an attack.
Inside the castle walls there would be steep paths and narrow tunnels, all laid out to confuse any enemy who might penetrate its walls
Both castles often had a moat surrounding the castle, this would have been very deep and wide, and would have caused a struggle for anyone wishing to cross, unless the drawbridge had been lowered.
Huge stone walls around the castle stood as massive barriers preventing attackers from climbing up and over.
Key holes or windows that ran along the edge of the castle would be filled with archers during an attack.
Inside the castle walls there would be steep paths and narrow tunnels, all laid out to confuse any enemy who might penetrate its walls
The Samurai and the English Knight have much in common, but also have several differences.
Japanese Samurai
All Samurai follow the Code of Ethnics, or Bushido. It was an unspoken standard that if a Samurai were disgraced he would ritualistically kill himself in repentance, Seppuku. Although the code was often broken as greed was as dominant as honor.
The Samurai were more sucessful than the English Knight. |
English Knight
Knights and the idea of chivalry were based on the same concept of Bushido, but it had several differences. Knights swore alligiance, as did samurai, and both had a code of conduct to follow.
Knights were also not as dedicated or as disciplined as the Samurai. |