A Fresh Look at Early Castles
Charles L. H. Coulson
Abstract To speak of ‘fortresses and society’ is, indeed, a truism. As soon as wealth for survival was accumulated, notably harvested grain domesticated animals, demarcation defence were required. For appreciating how natural fortresses to normal ancient medieval societies (and various) long perspective is essential. This chapter offers revised on castles during the period by looking at aesthetic, artistic, symbolic, demonstrative elements in design rather than their presumed purpose forms local defence. It discusses transition England France; response Carolingian Empire impact internal disintegration external attacks Norsemen penetrating far up fine navigable river systems (particularly Somme, Seine, Loire); emergence form social reconstruction.
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