Befestigungsanlagen zwischen Havel und Oder in Hoch- und Spätmittelalter

On the basis of archaeological, architectural, cartographical, and historical evidence a catalogue of 225 fortifications of six types has been compiled. The relations of German castles to Slavic strongholds are considered, as are the continuity from Medieval farmsteads to later mansions of the gentry, village fortifications, and rural strongholds. In the initial phase of eastward expansion, the castles of the houses of Ascania and Wettin, who took over Slavic lowland forts [type 1] from ca. A.D. 1150-1200, played the leading part. In the 2nd phase after 1200 highly elaborate castles were built, mainly on hilltops [2], and changed into stone or later brick in the 13th century. Small fortifications [3] concentrated in the eastern [motte type] and south-eastern Barnim region [square earthworks] after A.D. 1200. The frequently mentioned but rarely documented type 4 [fortified farmsteads] is attested e. g. by representative plank fences and timber framed towers. Village fortifications [5] of palisade, bank, and ditch designated juridical spheres, protected against predators, and prevented cattle going astray. In the Late Middle Ages linear earthworks [6] of ditch and hedge [+/- bank] hindered raids in the context of feuds.