[ QUIZ-2 ] What do you know about St Hilarion Castle..?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 21:44

1 : Click this URL and study the picture: http://is.gd/8jO2G

2 : St Hilarion quiz question-2: WHAT did I photograph and WHERE can you find 'this'?

3 : Hint-1: "You can't see "this" from the lower ward..."

4 : The first poster with the right answer in this thread wins a free ticket for the next Medieval Cyprus Fellowship lecture: "The Secrets of St Hilarion Castle!" (Wednesday, February 24, 2.30 pm, doors open 2 pm, venue: Denizhan Bar & Restaurant, Alsancak).

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 21:56

It's a birds nest.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:03

You don't even qualify as an apprentice TRNC Tour Guide, Bill... Keep trying...

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:07

Is it one of the four brackets of a machicoulis ?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:18

RE msg 4, Hatty: Yes, it is! 1/2 point, because: WHERE can you find it?

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:20

The main gate of the Enceinte ?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:33

RE msg 6, Hatty: Well done! I was just about to post another hint [ http://is.gd/8jVoI ] but it's not necessary. Here's the exact location: http://is.gd/8jVoI



Explanation: ... four brackets of a machicoulis (the overhanging parapets of this wall are known by the old French word 'machicoulis' or 'machicolations') and at this point are preserved the only architectural features of the castle which afford some clue to date. They contained slots down which stones, hot water etc. were poured on to an enemy attacking the tower with ladders. These overhanging embattlements were supported by large stone projections called 'corbels'...



... can be seen a ram's head, or perhaps the head of a moufflon, an animal that was common in the Cyprus mountains in the Middle Ages, a head of a man with a pointed beard and a representation of the head of a woman in a curious horned head-dress of the XVth century...

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:37

Sorry, upload error - msg 7: here's the exact location: http://is.gd/8jYrU

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:39

Hmm. Too bad for Bill, but the next questions will be more difficult...

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:41

Presumably they are there as there is little else to protect the gate i.e. a moat etc. because of the location of the castle on top of a mountain?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:50

Hatty, if you are interested to attend my next lecture about St Hilarion (see msg 1), please contact me at mcf.trnc@gmail.com . Thank you.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 22:55

RE msg 10, Hatty: The entrance gate has a machicoulis over it and a barbican (*) in front of it. In accordance with the system adopted in all French fortifications the way into this advanced work runs parallel to the curtain and close to it.



(*) The barbican is a comparatively small terrace of irregular trapezoidal shape with turrets at the four angles and was closed with a mere gate without drawbridge or portcullis.

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 23:07

Hans, I will definately try and get to one of your lectures and one of your walks when I am over next. I was coming to your Kyrenia walk on the 24th Jan this year, unfortunately we were flooded by the rain and could not make it.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 23:13

OK, Hatty! Let me know when you are in TRNC and we'll work it out.

Hatty


Joined: 13/07/2008
Posts: 260

Message Posted:
13/02/2010 23:21

Ok, I will

Maz


Joined: 29/03/2009
Posts: 1924

Message Posted:
14/02/2010 00:41

What I want to know Hans is where I can find a builder to make me a couple of these. I need some roof drainage, and I reckon a couple of these are better than plastic pipes, and then when any invaders come I can pour boiling oil out of them instead!

Trouble is, I guess the artisans who made these gorgeous pieces are long dead and gone, but maybe they have some great, great x 10 ancestors who learned the trade. Know of any?