Book: The Archaeology of Prague and the Medieval Czech Lands, 1100-1600
Chapter: Secular Power
Blurb:
Strongholds from 1100 to the first half of the 13th century formed part of the structure of the Přemyslid state and provided support for the performance of its functions. Then there were the residences of the powerful in the 12th century and in the early 13th century. The system of castles in the later Middle Ages was dominated by royal castles, the framework for the sovereign’s power and his rule of the Czech state as well as a symbol of his prestige. In the 15th century, the Hussite Wars left behind numerous destroyed castles, often accompanied by the archaeology of siege camps.