Centuries after they first appeared in the landscape, many castles remain intact, complete with cathedrals and symbols of the Middle Ages and the power of their lords and rulers. For five centuries, the creation of these castles was accompanied by a political and cultural evolution during the medieval period.

Over time, the shapes, designs, and characteristics of the thousands of castles built in Europe have changed considerably. These structures represent a world in constant change, and from 1000 to 1500 these castles had three functions: defend the territory, affirm the prestige of their rulers, and serve as housing.

These two documentaries trace the history of these fortresses using testimonies from experts, researchers, historians, and conservationists, as well as sequences of historical reconstruction and three-dimensional replications of the architectural elements of the castles as they were in the Middle Ages.

A look into the great history of castles, exploring and revisiting 500 years of medieval architecture!

Episode 1: Fortified Castles: 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, the documentary “Fortified Castles, The Origins” 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.

Episode 2: Fortified Castles: The Rise and Fall

In order to establish their power, King Philippe Auguste and his successors covered the territory with fortified castles. However, the use of destructive jets at the end of the 13th century forced the fortresses to adapt their architecture.

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?