Abstract
ABSTRACT The positioning and construction of castles in ancient times responded not only to strategic opportunity, but also to the issue of geomorphological risk. We investigated castles and strongholds built in the era of the Great Countess Matilda of Canossa in part of the northern Apennines (Italy), in order to study the relationship between their positioning and the distribution of geomorphological and geological hazards. We observe how the location of castles follows clear patterns of avoidance of potential hazards: castles are kept far from the main fault systems and stream networks, and are mainly at a safe distance from landslide- and badlands-susceptible terrains. The knowledge of Medieval communities on landscape hazards was sufficiently advanced to minimise risks, while maintaining the strategic value of fortifications.
Highlights
Castles and strongholds represent a relevant component of both the cultural and geological heritage of a territory
We investigated castles and strongholds built in the era of the Great Countess Matilda of Canossa in part of the northern Apennines (Italy), in order to study the relationship between their positioning and the distribution of geomorphological and geological hazards
Many areas of Europe saw during the Middle Ages the development of castle and fortification systems, which had to interact with different geomorphological hazards (Knight & Harrison, 2013)
Summary
Castles and strongholds represent a relevant component of both the cultural and geological heritage of a territory. Fortifications, frequently positioned on natural buttresses, enhance the value of geosites (sensu Reynard, 2004) in terms of geohistorical importance (Bollati, Zucali, & Pelfini, 2014; Booth & Brayson, 2011). Their location and distribution mainly respond to logistic and strategic needs related to their cultural function. Modern urban planning and construction techniques take full account of the geological and geomorphological characteristics of building areas (McCall, 1992). The Alps and Apennines are characterised by a marked geomorphological instability, mainly triggered by seismic and hydrogeological processes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
