Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The ten toughest castles in the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/the-ten-toughest-castles-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/the-ten-toughest-castles-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2009/10/16/the-ten-toughest-castles-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Castles make a pretty backdrop to any vacation. They conjure up images of brave knights and damsels in distress, but the reality was less romantic. Castles were fortifications built to defend important cities, ports, fords, or mountain passes. The best military minds in the world devised ways to destroy them, when they weren't figuring out better ways to build them. Here are ten castles that proved almost too tough to take. Some took centuries before they fell, or cost the lives of hundreds of attackers. A few never fell at all.


Crac de Chevaliers
One of the best preserved Crusader castles in the Middle East, it protected the pass from the lowlands of Lebanon through the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and into the rich Orontes river valley of Syria. It's on the Syrian side of the border but its turrets afford fine views of Lebanon. Originally an Arab castle that was taken by the French during the First Crusade in 1099, it became the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller, a knightly order that protected pilgrims in the Holy Land. They protected themselves too, by strengthening the castle and putting up walls that were up to 100 feet thick. It withstood more than one siege and even the great Saladin couldn't take it. It eventually fell back into Muslim hands in 1271 but remained the model for castle builders in Europe.

Masada
Facing the world's biggest empire with only a ragtag group of dedicated fighters? Go to the middle of the desert, find a sheer mesa, and hold up in it. That's what the Sicarii, Jewish resistance fighters, did when they rebelled against the Roman Empire in the first century AD. The location was perfect. The mesa had already been fortified by King Herod as a refuge in case of rebellion, but the Sicarii rebels got it instead. Sheer cliffs rise 300 feet (90 meters) above the desert at their lowest point, and in spots tower up to 1,300 feet (400 meters). The only way up are three winding paths that are exposed to arrows and rocks coming from above. The Romans, in their typical efficiency, built a rampart up the entire way so they could roll up battering rams to breach the walls. The Sicarii committed mass suicide rather than surrender. The Roman camps and walls used to cut Masada off from the rest of the world are still plainly visible.

Numancia
The Celts in Spain faced the same problem the Sicarii did. How to defeat the Roman Empire? Numancia was one tribe's answer. This hillfort at the headwaters of the Duero River held out for twenty years until the inevitable end came. The defenders had run out of food and had been reduced to cannibalism. Like the Sicarii, the Celts chose death before dishonor and most of them committed mass suicide in 133 BC. Spain became a Roman province. Today you can see reconstructions of the fort and Roman siege techniques at the site's musuem.

Osaka
The samurai were brave warriors ready to face death, but even they must have thought twice about attacking this castle. Completed in 1598, it was the base of operations for Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who made peace between Japan's many warring factions by beating them into submission. It took 200,000 soldiers more than a year to take this place in 1615, and when you look at this photo of the bare face of the ramparts you can see why. The castle combines form and function and is beautiful as well as impregnable.

Gallery: Ten Toughest Castles

Crac de ChevaliersMasadaNumanciaLand Walls of ConstantinopleSecond Military Gate, Constantinople

Continue reading The ten toughest castles in the world

The ten toughest castles in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlecastlescuzcoenglandincamedievalmiddle agesMiddleAgesmilitarysamuraitop tentop ten listtop ten listsTopTenTopTenListTopTenListswarworld heritage listworld heritage sitesWorldHeritageListWorldHeritageSitesFri, 16 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Where on Earth: Week 26 - Gozo, Malta]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/05/where-on-earth-week-26-gozo-malta/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/05/where-on-earth-week-26-gozo-malta/http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/05/where-on-earth-week-26-gozo-malta/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gozo is the smaller island that makes up the tiny Mediterranean nation of Malta. This is a stunning natural arch called the "Azure Window" on Gozo's northern coast. The main island of Malta is fascinating but can feel crowded due to its concentrated population. Across on Gozo, it's a totally different story, especially if you're staying in one of the restored farmhouses.

Gozo deserves to be the new Tuscany. You heard it here first.

Where on Earth: Week 26 - Gozo, Malta originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>oceanrockspectacularFri, 05 Oct 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (02/08/07)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/08/word-for-the-travel-wise-02-08-07/http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/08/word-for-the-travel-wise-02-08-07/http://www.gadling.com/2007/02/08/word-for-the-travel-wise-02-08-07/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Malta FlagMalta isn't the sort of place I'd imagine one getting lost to the extreme or losing their way back for days on end, but not every human that walks or travels the planet is blessed with good sense or sense of direction. I'm pulling this selection from the Survival Maltese site, also mentioned below.

Today's word is a Maltese word used in Malta:

Intlift - I'm lost

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Past Maltese words: Fejn huma t-tojlezz?, sahha, xorb, jien jisimni, caw

Word for the Travel Wise (02/08/07) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguagemalteseThu, 08 Feb 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (12/28/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/28/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-28-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/28/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-28-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/12/28/word-for-the-travel-wise-12-28-06/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MalteseIt's coming... The new year that is. As if you needed a daily reminder. Anyhow, here is a word you can cry out during those last hours if you should find Happy New Year a little too cliché.

Today's word is a Maltese word used in Malta:

caw - so long

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Past Maltese words: Fejn huma t-tojlezz?, sahha, xorb, jien jisimni

Word for the Travel Wise (12/28/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguagemalteseThu, 28 Dec 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (10/03/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/10/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-10-03-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/10/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-10-03-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/10/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-10-03-06/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Malta FlagIt's quite obvious Malta isn't one of our most blogged about places, but I do my best with this word feature to make sure it gets some of the action. However, I have been providing with you baby talk. It's time to rev up our language motors and really start talking Maltese. Now hit the gas and GO!

Today's word is a Maltese word used in Malta:

Jien jisimni... - My name is...

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Past Maltese words: Fejn huma t-tojlezz?, sahha, xorb

Word for the Travel Wise (10/03/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>foreign languageForeignLanguagelanguagemalteseTue, 03 Oct 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (07/23/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/07/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-07-23-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/07/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-07-23-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/07/23/word-for-the-travel-wise-07-23-06/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Malta FlagHere's a cool festival to check out if in Malta this time of year -The Farson's Great Beer Festival runs from July 28, 2006 - August 6, 2006 from 7:30 PM onwards in Ta'Qali Park. The event features folklore and music and is free of charge. Even if you're not into beer sounds like a cool way to meet other traveling folk and locals as well.

Today's word is a Maltese word used in Malta:

xorb - (sh-orp) beverage

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Past Maltese words: Fejn huma t-tojlezz?, sahha

Word for the Travel Wise (07/23/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 23 Jul 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>languagemalteseSun, 23 Jul 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Photo of the Day (5/19/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/19/photo-of-the-day-5-09-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/19/photo-of-the-day-5-09-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/19/photo-of-the-day-5-09-06/#commentsFiled under: ,

I'm not sure if it was the amazing color of the water that caught my attention, or the gangly jumping style of the kid launching himself into the air.  Nonetheless, it remains one of those shots that makes sitting at work extraordinarily painful.  Gaze deep into those blue waters and you'll see what I mean.

Thanks to JWRALS for contributing this shot of Malta to our Gadling Flickr Pool. 

Photo of the Day (5/19/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 19 May 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fri, 19 May 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (05/03/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-05-03-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-05-03-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/05/03/word-for-the-travel-wise-05-03-06/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Malta FlagLast time I touched on Malta and the Maltese language I pointed you to their list of groovy gastronomic events, but this time I want to direct your attention to the country's main event listing! Who knew so many cool things were happening in the area around this time? If I could have my way I'd be leaving everyone behind for a chance to experience the National Folk Singing Festival being held May 19-21, 2006. With the festival falling on my birthday weekend it would most certainly be a pretty grand way to celebrate my special day. Since I won't be making it this year I encourage you all to go and without further delay I toss you this word and look away.

Today's word is a Maltese word used in Malta:

sahha - goodbye

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Past Maltese words: Fejn huma t-tojlezz?

Word for the Travel Wise (05/03/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 03 May 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>languagemalteseWed, 03 May 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Word for the Travel Wise (03/09/06)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2006/03/09/word-for-the-travel-wise-03-09-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/03/09/word-for-the-travel-wise-03-09-06/http://www.gadling.com/2006/03/09/word-for-the-travel-wise-03-09-06/#commentsFiled under: , ,

MaltaWe may have missed Malta's Invasion of the Lobsters fest, but there's still time to make the other gastronomic happenings in the country. Want to experience the authentic taste of Chiang Mai while in the Mediterranean or sip some of the finest red and white wines? Head over to their gastronomic calendar of events to stay updated on the delicious food festivals going down on the island this spring. With that snazzy introduction being given let's hop right into the real meat of this blurb.

Today's word is a Maltese phrase used in Malta:

Fejn huma t-tojlezz? - Where are the toilets please?

This probably seems like a rather large step into a lang we haven't explored here at all on Gadling, but no matter how tasty the food may be let's remember it might not agree with everyone's belly and for this reason, during this time it is valuable travelers to Malta tuck this information away. If all goes well the food and wine will all be great and to relieve your regular bodily functions you'll still want to know the handy phrase.

BBC Languages Quick Fix allows one to download essential holiday phrases like this to store in your mp3 player for the big trip ahead. You can hear audio of some very basic words on their site as well. For a full run down on the history and a thorough section on survival Maltese head over to aboutmalta.com. I'm not too certain how much the survival Maltese will be needed considering the country's other official lang happens to be English and they happen to have around 40 English learning language schools.

Word for the Travel Wise (03/09/06) originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 09 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Thu, 09 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST