Castle to Fortress: Medieval to Renaissance Fortifications in the Lands of the Former Western Roman Empire

The evolution of castles in Western Europe from castles to fortresses is examined in this book, which provides a fascinating look at the last great age of castles and the centuries of violence and conflict they were a part of. It explores the advances made between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, considering the forms these fortifications took in various contexts, such as Italy, Wales, France, and the Iberian peninsula.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 10 June 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The long tradition of castle-building in Western Europe reached its pinnacle during the later medieval period, evolving into a sophisticated and complex architectural style. However, the advent of gunpowder weapons brought about a significant transformation, shifting the focus from castles to fortresses. This captivating second volume in a comprehensive new study of medieval fortification delves into the final great era of castles and the centuries of violence and conflict they encompassed. It explores the advancements made between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, examining the diverse forms these fortifications adopted in various regions such as Italy, Wales, France, and the Iberian peninsula. Many consider this period in castle history as the classic age, followed by a period of relative decline as warfare evolved and castles needed to adapt to the threat of cannons. The traditional castle design gave way to new styles of fortification, but as the authors illustrate, these structures remained crucial in military calculations and campaigns. They held direct strategic and tactical importance wherever there was an attempt to seize or hold territory.

Weight: 828g
Dimension: 251 x 173 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526736871