Château et Innovation : Actes des rencontres d'archéologie et d'histoire en Périgord, les 24,25 et 26 septembre 1999

Castles and innovation – such a union can be surprising if we look at present times. Haven’t castles, indeed, become the symbol of an outdated past, condemned to uselessness unless a cataclysm happens and forces the survivors to come back to a new dawn of humanity? And regarding innovation, is it not the trademark of a step forward, which anticipates the future to better master it?

This book answers this question with more or less nuance. The diversity of its contributions shows that, during a long time in European history, castles often played a major role in terms of innovation and that the chatelains became the daring sponsors of progress. Did they succeed or meet, along the way, insurmountable obstacles – or merciless rivals? Their experience constitutes a fascinating adventure that this book sheds light on.