Medieval Castles Built on Roman Forts: A Legacy of History

The imposing structures of medieval castles stand as testaments to the power and ingenuity of their builders. But often, beneath these grand edifices lies a hidden history, a connection to the Romans who once ruled these lands. In many cases, medieval castles were built on top of, or even incorporated into, pre-existing Roman forts. This fascinating relationship between two distinct periods of history reveals much about the enduring legacy of the Romans and the strategic considerations of medieval builders.

Why Were Castles Built on Roman Forts?

The Romans were renowned for their military prowess and their ability to build strong and strategic fortifications. Their forts, strategically placed throughout their empire, served as centers of power and control. When the Roman Empire fell, these forts were often abandoned, but their strategic locations and solid foundations remained.

Medieval lords, seeking to establish their own power and control, recognized the value of these Roman forts. Building their castles on top of these pre-existing structures offered several advantages:

• Strategic Location: Roman forts were often built in strategic locations, such as hilltops, river crossings, or along important trade routes. These locations provided excellent defensive advantages for medieval castles as well.
• Solid Foundations: Roman forts were built with durable materials and meticulous engineering. Their foundations, often made of stone or concrete, provided a strong base for the construction of medieval castles.
• Existing Infrastructure: Some Roman forts already had infrastructure, such as wells, cisterns, and even roads, which could be reused by medieval builders.
• Symbolic Power: Building a castle on top of a Roman fort was a powerful symbol of the continuity of power and authority. It demonstrated the ability of the medieval lords to inherit and build upon the legacy of the Romans.

Examples of Castles Built on Roman Forts

Throughout Europe, there are numerous examples of medieval castles built on Roman forts. Here are a few notable examples:

• Dover Castle, England: This iconic castle, built on a cliff overlooking the English Channel, was originally a Roman fort called Dubris. The Romans built a fort here in the 1st century AD to defend the coastline from invasion. The medieval castle was built on top of the Roman foundations in the 11th century.
• Caerphilly Castle, Wales: This massive castle, built in the 13th century, was built on the site of a Roman fort called Caerphilly. The Romans had established a fort here in the 1st century AD to control the surrounding area.
• Château de Carcassonne, France: This stunningly preserved medieval city, with its fortified walls and towers, was built on the site of a Roman settlement called Carcaso. The Romans had built a fort here in the 1st century AD to control the strategic trade route between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.

Conclusion

The relationship between medieval castles and Roman forts is a fascinating example of how history can be intertwined. By building on the foundations of the past, medieval builders were able to create impressive structures that reflected their own power and ingenuity. The legacy of the Romans continues to be visible in these castles, reminding us of the enduring impact of this ancient civilization.

Exploring these sites can offer a unique perspective on the evolution of architecture, warfare, and society over the centuries. It allows us to see how the past continues to shape the present, and how the stories of different eras can be woven together to create a rich tapestry of history.