Dai castelli tardoantichi ai borghi fortificati del bassomedioevo

Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Three Castles, Defensive Wall and Ramparts of Bellinzona reveals that some fortified villages' walls from the late Middle Ages retain remnants of Iron Age castellieri or late antique defensive structures. This indicates a continuity in fortification strategies across centuries, with local communities and aristocracies becoming key protagonists in erecting defenses from the 10th century onward. The study highlights how social, economic, and military contexts shaped the evolution of fortified villages between the 5th and 15th centuries. By analyzing these layers, the research provides insights into the diachronic development of fortified settlements, emphasizing their adaptive functions and cultural significance.

Brogiolo, G. P. (2023). From Late Antique Castles to the Fortified Villages of the Late Middle Ages. Rodis. Journal of Medieval and Post-Medieval Archaeology, (5). https://doi.org/10.33115/a/26046679/5_1