Medieval architecture
The period between the fall of Rome in the 5th century and around 1000 is often referred to as the Dark Ages. However, this characterization overlooks the vibrant intellectual and artistic activity that persisted during these centuries. Despite the prevailing gloom, embers of creativity continued to glow, eventually culminating in the emergence of medieval architecture in a spectacular display of innovation and grandeur.
Medieval castles, steeped in legends of quests and chivalric fantasy, were nonetheless challenging places to inhabit. Despite the imagery of blazing fires, fluttering banners, feasts, damsels, and knights in armor, these structures primarily functioned as machines for defending territory and engaging in warfare. They showcased a variety of architectural styles, incorporating elements from Romanesque, French, and Gothic traditions, particularly flourishing around the 1500s.
