Defensive systems and structures in Central Eastern Italy in Early Middle Ages: a preliminary approach based on documentary sources

The theme of the development of systems and defensive structures in Early Middle Ages and Middle Ages has never been appreciated by archaeologists in this side of Italy. Some recent scientific contributions pay more attention on history or on the walls building techniques. However, even if the lack of archaeological excavation makes it difficult the approach to this topic, a comparative analysis of documentary sources and material evidences in fortified contexts paves the way to some interesting remarks. The written sources of early Middle Ages provide a discontinuous patchwork mostly related to the events that accompanied the growth of ecclesiastical power (Abbeys and Roman Church). Sometimes we have only the factual reference to some fortification event, like in the case of the monks of the Farfa Abbey, when they fecerunt castellum to defend themselves against Saracen attacks. Sometimes, on the contrary, we find specific references to the building material of the fortification. The archaeological sources consist of earthworks or remains of castle (more or less ruined...), usually reflecting building projects dating back to the Late Middle Ages, but often put in the same places where the oldest defences had been raised. Based on those data, the author seeks to identify the tendencies in the topographical choices of the earliest fortifications, as well as in the technical solutions chosen.