Origins (9th and 10th centuries) The subject of the emergence of castles in Europe is a complex matter which has led to considerable debate. Discussions have typically attributed the rise of the castle to a reaction to attacks by Magyars, Muslims, and Vikings and a need for private defence. The breakdown of the Carolingian Empire led to the privatisation of government, and local lords assumed responsibility for the economy and justice. However, while castles proliferated in the 9th and 10th centuries the link between periods of insecurity and building fortifications is not always straightforward. Some high concentrations of castles occur in secure places, while some border regions had relatively few castles.
Origins (9th and 10th centuries) The subject of the emergence of castles in Europe is a complex matter. which has led to considerable debate. Discussions have typically attributed the rise o.f the castle to a reaction to attacks by Magyars, Muslims, and Vikings and a need for private defence. The breakdown of the Carolingian Empire led to the privatisation of government, and local lords assumed responsibility for the econo,my and justice. However while castles proliferated in the 9th and 10th centuries the link between periods of insecurity and building fortifications is not always straightforward Some high concentrations of castles occur in secure places, while some border regions had relatively few castles