From the first wooden fortresses to the gigantic stone citadels, fortified castles tell the story of over 500 years of medieval history. True symbols of the power of kings and lords, these fortresses evolved in step with the wars, military innovations, and political upheavals of the Middle Ages.

From Château Gaillard to Carcassonne, from the vertiginous citadels of the Corbières to the mighty fortresses like Bonaguil, Vincennes, and Salses, this documentary delves into the heart of medieval military architecture. How were these monuments built? How did they withstand sieges, trebuchets, and later, cannons? What technical secrets lie hidden behind their walls, machicolations, and defensive systems?

Through experimental construction sites like Guédelon, historians and craftspeople are rediscovering the techniques of 13th-century builders: medieval cranes, stonemasons, military engineering, and forgotten skills. A fascinating dive into the world of fortified castles, spectacular witnesses to the power, conflicts, and imagination of the Middle Ages.

Director: Benoit Poisson

#FortifiedCastles #MiddleAges #MedievalHistory #MedievalArchitecture #HistoricalHeritage