Fortress Norman Stone Castles (2) Europe 950-1204 Osprey Books

The Duchy of Normandy was created in 911 by King Charles the Simple of France to accommodate the Scandinavian followers of the Viking leader, Rollo. The new territory was named Normandy, and in addition to feudalism and knighthood, the Normans were introduced to the castle. Castles were a relatively recent phenomenon at this point. They seem to have arisen inresponse to the unstable situation in north-western Frankia after the death of Charlemagne (Charles the Great), whose vast empire had also encompassed Germany and parts of northern Italy. Nobles set themselves up to protect their lands, recruited knights and other soldiers to serve them, and protected their homes with fortifications. The castle was also a symbol ofauthority. Written evidence, relating to the great tower at the ducal castle in Rouen built in the mid-10th century by Duke Richard I (942-96), indicates that stone castles soon appeared in Normandy. During the 11th century (mainly the first half) some 26 castles were founded between Caen and Falaise, in the area of Le Cinglais. Large numbers of castles were raisedduring the unsettled times following the death of Robert the Magnificent in 1035. Henry I, was responsible for much building in the duchy during his time as both duke and king. The death in 1199 of Richard I the Lionheart, finally gave the wily Philip Augustus the opportunity to seize Normandy from King John, which he did in 1204. At about the time the Normans were conquering England, other Norman adventurers were carving out homes for themselves in Southern Italy and Sicily. The Normans gradually spread over Southern Italy and founded the territories of Apulia and Calabria. Others crossed to Sicily in 1061 and by 1091 had conquered the whole island, whichbecame a kingdom. As in Normandy, the newcomers were keen to assimilate ideas and culture they saw around them, including architectural and defensive principles, resulting in some striking examples. This title, a companion to Fortress 13: Norman Stone Castles (1) The British Isles 1066-1216, provides a detailed guide to the castles built in Normandy, Southern Italy and Sicily, the reasons for their construction, and the styles adopted. Defensive principles and the events of siege warfare arealso covered in this informative and packed treatment. The Normans also travelled widely throughout the mediterranean, settling in Sicily and Italy and becoming deeply involved in the events of the First Crusade and the founding of the Crusader states. They left their mark in the form of fortifications such as Melfi and Adern in Italy and Sicily and Sahyun and Bagras in the Principality of Antioch. This title will cover all these strongholds along with detailing the many actions taken against them, with many first hand accounts form the works of Orderic Vitalis.