During the second consecutive year of archaeological research, the ancient castle Purpurkopf, built by the family of Pope Leo IX in the ninth century, was discovered in Alsace, France. In addition, the researchers were lucky to find other finds that tell about the past.
Among the finds are crossbow tiles and glass beads, which indicate the military importance of the castle. However, scientists are not in a hurry to jump to conclusions until further excavations are carried out.
Fragments of Roman pottery and traces of charcoal were found inside the walls. This suggests that the ancient Romans could have lived on the site of the Alsace castle. It is likely that medieval builders repurposed and incorporated these remains into their construction.
Archaeologists emphasize that this is an extraordinary discovery for understanding the medieval era in France. They are especially important because they reveal the history of medieval fortifications. After all, in previous periods, such buildings were occupied by the military, and not by representatives of the nobility. And Purpurkopf Castle probably occupied a transitional phase, when fortifications evolved from military strongholds to noble residences.
The Alsatian castle was described as a majestic structure, but until now its exact purpose had not been established. Its location allowed us to assume that at one time it could serve as a customs post.
The discovery of the medieval castle adds an exciting chapter to France's already famous historical heritage. The information obtained during these excavations will undoubtedly contribute to a deeper understanding of medieval architecture, social structure and the complex dynamics of time.
Source: ancient-origins.net
