> Castle builders knew that it didn’t really make a huge difference which way the stairs go, they’re not suitable for fighting at all, neither party has a lot o

> Castle builders knew that it didn’t really make a huge difference which way the stairs go, they’re not suitable for fighting at all, neither party has a lot of space to wield those long, pointy, sharp weapons. This is written by someone without experience in hand to hand combat as many weapons were blunt (like a mace or club) and a rondel dagger in an unarmored spot is far more difficult to parry than a sword. Speaking of which, a rondel dagger was specifically intended for grappling situations. Thrusting weapons were in many cases preferred for tight quarters combat although there are slashing weapons specifically designed for tight quarters combat as well. Sword variants like longer greatswords specifically designed vs. halbred or pike formations were not ideal for close quarters, but there were several short sword types Even in more ancient times, weapons such as the Sica, from which we get the word sicario, were well known as a tool used in gladiatorial combat, and in the Judean wars. Additionally, the gladius wielded with the large shield, the scutum, was only an 18 inch short sword. Short because it was ideal for close quarters fighting via a thrust against other heavy infantry.