Chateau Gaillard 24

The image of the castle, as seen in its numerous and varied facets, was the central theme of the 24th Chateau Gaillard colloquium held in 2008. The image can as easily find its expression through documents or iconographic sources as it can be found in the results of archaeological excavation. The meeting of these points of view naturally raises questions concerning the part of fantasy that an illuminator has recourse to, the role of symbolism or the fantastical that are encompassed in descriptions of fortresses or literary tales, or even the influence of legends on the restoration of certain sites. Examples from across Europe and beyond, as far as the Latin East, draw attention to the castles exteriors and interiors, to the image of the castle that the inhabitants wish to project, and to the external views that they wish to enjoy. The image of the castle is also its function. Medievalists know that castles are not just military fortresses, but the debate remains open as to whether one function dominates another: is the castle first and formost a lordly residence that facilitates the exercise of power? The question necessarily involves re-evaluating castle typology, slowly but surely informed by recent discoveries.