The Motte and Bailey Castle. Expansion of a Fortification Type at Elbe and Oder River in high and late Middle Ages

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Felix Biermann
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: from 2013 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 235835221

One of the scientific aims of the Heisenberg scholarship of the applicant is the investigation of the moat and bailey castles known in large parts of Europe. The aim of the current research grant is to extend the very limited research base by archaeological field investigations concerning the chronology, the construction, building structure and the function of these fortifications. The project brings the eastward direction of the spatial expansion of the motte and bailey castle into focus: in the regions on the rivers Elbe and Oder (between Old March and Lower Silesia). Thus, the project solves a considerable desideratum of the medieval castle research. During the two years of the closing project important and interesting results on the motte and bailey castles were produced, by excavations and other research in eight such strongholds. The aim of this proposal is the extension of this research grant for one more year.In the third project year, the results shall be worked out finally. The aim is the integration of the many results of the research in one large monograph, discussing the archaeology, history and cultural meaning of the motte and bailey castle phenomenon in the work area and its relations to the high and late-medieval fortifications in Central Europe. Moreover, there shall be carried out limited fieldwork at four castles in the western areas of research, Old March and Prignitz. This shall perfect the results of the project. The four fortifications will be investigated by historical methods, by surface and geophysical surveys, researched and explored by limited excavations to ascertain the exact date, to illuminate the construction of the hill, the design and quality of buildings as well as to learn about dating, use, social, military and symbolic meaning of the castle, its builder and his economic situation. The choice of the fortifications enables us to light up aspects of motte and bailey castles which are understood not satisfying up to now: The research program intends the investigation of a moat on a natural hill, of two outer baileys and of a presumably magnate's castle hill with early cobblestone and brick building.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants