Fortified Castles
From the beginning of the Middle Ages, castles have imposed themselves as symbols of power. Over time, France will cover itself with fortresses built according to almost identical plans. It was in the 12th and 13th centuries that castles took their typical form and truly knew their golden age! Their architecture will freeze for eternity the very image of these medieval buildings. How to explain this prosperous period? What technologies did the architects of the Middle Ages deploy to accomplish such monumental works? To better understand it, we will follow a group of medieval history enthusiasts. Together, they imagined a crazy project: to build a real fortified castle using the methods of the 13th century. Through this titanic challenge, this documentary finally pierces the mysteries of the great builders of History.
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Seasons & Episodes
1. The Origins
From the first wooden fortresses of the 9th century, to Philippe Auguste’s construction of castles with standardized plans in the 12th and 13th centuries, this episode explores three centuries of architectural challenges and innovation. The structures that were built during this period shaped the vast territory that would eventually become France.
2. The Rise and Fall
The documentary "Fortified Castes: The Rise and Fall" details the evolution of the defensive systems that the castles acquired in the 14th century. With the invention of powder and cannons, how were these majestic buildings able to maintain themselves in the French landscape?