5 Unconquerable Fortresses in Human History

Throughout the history we have always seen and learned that there is no end to human achievement and that every impossible task can be made possible if you have the courage and determination to overcome it. History is packed with loads of historical wars and fights that have changed the course of history and have affected millions of people. If we go back into time, we find almost the same kind of human ideology that exists today where people ruling the country or states would come up with structures that would defend their kingdom and allow them to overcome the mighty power of their enemies.
Castles and fortresses have played a very important role in defending a particular kingdom or a state and therefore most of the mighty warriors and rulers have made sure that they capture or build a king of magnificent structure that would allow their army to keep a watch on their enemies from a distance. Though, there are many fortifications and fortresses that have been captured and overthrown by the rival army, there are still many such fortresses that are not only difficult to capture because of their unique location but almost impossible to conquer. Let’s checkout some of the famous fortresses that have still remained unconquerable and have stood the test of time.

1. Masada – Israel

Since we are talking about some of the unconquerable castles and fortresses in the world than we cannot miss out this awesome structure that has really stood the test of time. Masada is the name of site where you will find various fortifications and palaces. The site is built on top of an isolated rock plateau in Israel and is very near to the Dead Sea. Masada sits on the eastern edge of the cliff which is 1300 feet high which makes it one of the most difficult fortresses to conquer.
In fact, there were only a few people who were able to make it to the top because the elevation of the cliff is very steep and does not provide any support to the people who are climbing up. The plateau has many other towers and storehouses that were used for the accommodation of the people on the top. Apart from that, Masada also has a place for keeping the weapons and cisterns which would be filled by rainwater. As per the history, Masada was used by Jewish rebels to fight and harass Romans.

2. Alamut – Iran

Another such fortress that have remained unconquerable throughout its history is Alamut which also means Eagle’s Nest.
The fortress is built on a high mountain which was almost impossible to climb and even if attempts were made to climb the Alamut, it would take enough time for the person to make it to the top which means that the soldiers on the top have enough time to lock and kill their targets.
Alamut in Northern Iran
Alamut is located in the central Alborz Mountains near Kazvin Province which is just hundred kilometers from today’s Tehran in Iran. The fortress was built by Hamdollah Mostowfi at the height of 2100 meters and there was only one way up to the fortress which was heavily guarded by the soldiers and warriors which makes that route impossible to penetrate. The other sides of Alamut was naturally protected because it has steep gravel slope which means that soldiers going through that route would fall into the valley if they miss a step. The fortress was well maintained and had a superb network of water supply and food storage for the entire army. In 1090 the fortress was occupied by powerful Hashshashins (Assassins) who were able to win many other historic fights and battles because of Alamut.

3. Janjira – India

India is the land of kings and emperors and therefore you will find loads of palaces, forts and fortress here.

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Though, there are many such fortifications in India that have played a significant role in the development of a particular kingdom or a state but Murud-Janjira remains on top of the list when it comes to undefeated fortress in India. Though, on the first look the fortress looks like a very common fortress that can be conquered easily but that is not the case because of its unique location. The fortress is like an island surrounded by water from all sides and therefore it gives a clear picture to the army inside the fort of any intruders coming through the sea. This fortress was originally built by Fisherman Kings of Konkan to combat against the Muslim rulers in 1490. However, the word Janjira comes from Arabic word Jazeera which means an island. The fort was later captured by Shivaji and it became one of the headquarters for the Maratha Empire.

4. Malbork Castle – Poland

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Castle Teutonic Order in Malbork is next on the list of unconquerable fortress in human history.

The castle now is better known as Malbork Castle because it is situated in Malbork. However, the castle was built by the Teutonic Order who were knights interested in helping sick and injured Catholics in Poland. The castle remains as one of the classic examples of medieval castle and today it has been named as UNESCO World Heritage Site in Poland. The castle also holds the record of world’s largest brick gothic castle. The castle was built in 1274 and was named as Marienburg after the Virgin Mary. The castle remains undefeated till date because of its unique location. The surrounding areas near the castle are very flat and does not give any chance to the enemy to hide and therefore the warriors have ample of time to get ready and prepare the war before the enemy approaches from distance.

5. Palanok Castle – Ukraine

The Palanok Castle is also known as Mukachevo Castle and it also stands still proudly today as one of the fortress that have remained undefeated and unconquerable.

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The castle is intelligently designed and is located on a volcanic hill which gives this castle a unique location to safeguard itself from intruders and enemies. The castle was built by French engineers and has also remained the residential place of the Royal family. The castle has also been used as a political prison. The castle is divided into low, medium and high castle where the high castle is lavishly decorated for the Royal family. Today, this impregnable castle has been turned into a museum for the people to see.