Castles in the Teutonic Order State in Prussia as Medium of Ideology and Manifestation of Power

The Teutonic Order's castles in Prussia served as powerful symbols of centralized authority and ideological propaganda, reflecting their role as defenders of Christianity. Research reveals that the Order adapted the castell type fortress, a structure traditionally associated with strong state power, to reinforce their hierarchical governance and divine legitimacy. Towers, another key architectural element, symbolized feudal dominance, while the grand master's palace in Malbork drew from the tradition of donjons, representing sovereign rule. Additionally, the castle in Sztum exemplified court culture and prestige, serving as a leisure retreat for the overlord. The study analyzes these structures' geometric precision, repetitiveness, and symbolic significance to demonstrate their function as tools of power manifestation and ideological expression.

Wasik, B. (2022). Castles in the Teutonic Order State in Prussia as Medium of Ideology and Manifestation of Power. Światowit, (60), 133–155. https://doi.org/10.31338/0082-044x.swiatowit.60.8