Medieval spiral stairs "twisted" in a clockwise direction in order to put in an unfavorable position of the invader

In the Middle Ages spiral staircases were built, usually made of stone and "twisted" in a clockwise direction. It was a precaution in case of attack - swordsmen mostly kept his sword in his right hand, and is the location of the stairs put them at a disadvantage.

As quickly seize the sword with his left hand was difficult, and mainly soldiers were not trained to master both hands equally well, then climb the narrow stairs invader was less effective than the defense of the castle, standing on the stairs.

Nowadays these stairs can be seen in many European castles built from the 14th to the 17th century.

via factroom.ru