- Hellenistic and Roman Fortifications, Medieval castles, History of Art, Crusader Art and Architecture, Gothic architecture, Hellenistic architecture, and 50 moreHistorische Bauforschung, Hellenistic and Roman Asia Minor, Arms and Armour, Ancient City Walls, Poliorcetics, Castles, Burgenforschung, Geschichte der Frühen Neuzeit, Crac Des Chevaliers, Architecture, Archaeological Graphics & Illustration, Scientific Illustration, Archaeological Illustration, Architecture and Public Spaces, Vernacular Architecture, Anatolian Archaeology, The military religious orders of the Middle Ages : the Hospitallers, the Templars, the Teutonic knights, and others, History of construction technology, History of Construction, Ancient Architecture and Construction History, History of Crusades, Historical Timber Constructions, Virtual Reconstruction, 3D Reconstruction, Infographics, Cilicia, Museums and Exhibition Design, Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Arms and Armor Studies, Ancient and medieval arms and armour, Science for Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, Cultural Heritage, Museum environment, Graphic Design, Comics and Graphic Novels, History of Graphic Design, Ancient Helmets, Swords, TIMBER STRUCTURES, Archaeology Naval, Cultural Heritage Management, Cistercian Studies, Modern Art, Typography, Bauforschung, Bauforschung und Denkmalpflege, Al-Andalus, Spanish Reconquista, Catharism, and Albigensian Crusadeedit
The book will be published in spring 2024. It summarizes the results of a scientific study that has been carried out since 2020 on personal initiative by the researchers. On the one hand, the history of the castle and the Counts of... more
The book will be published in spring 2024. It summarizes the results of a scientific study that has been carried out since 2020 on personal initiative by the researchers. On the one hand, the history of the castle and the Counts of Neipperg is discussed in detail (Kurt Andermann) and on the other hand, the construction history of the architecturally extremely valuable castle is analyzed and explained in detail (Thomas Biller / Timm Radt). As part of the investigations, dendrochronological samples were taken, on the basis of which the main construction phase of the castle during the early gothic period can be precisely dated. In addition, the late gothic frescoes that were discovered in the former residential building are presented for the first time in an overview. Their detailed analysis and documentation was carried out by students of the restoration department of the Stuttgart State Academy of the Arts as a result of the project and will be published separately (Prof. Roland Lenz).
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The Teutonic Knights are predominantely known for the vast number of impressive brick-castles which the order erected during the 14th century in Eastern Prussia and the Baltic. However, Montfort, the Order’s first castle, is situated in... more
The Teutonic Knights are predominantely known for the vast number of impressive brick-castles which the order erected during the 14th century in Eastern Prussia and the Baltic. However, Montfort, the Order’s first castle, is situated in Galilee, which is today Northern Israel, where the order was founded in the late 12 th century. This castle was not the first that got into its hands but the first that the Order built from 1226 onwards. As the castle was destroyed by Sultan Baybars in 1271 up to our days its remains are difficult to understand although several scholars have tried to interpret them. Therefore, the book focusses on a new analysis of the ruins and the historical sources, which lead to an interpretation of the castle’s architectural development and its function. In the other chapters the often proclaimed „German“ character of Montfort, as well as certain architectural parallels to some castles in the Baltic are discussed in a wider context (Thomas Biller).
The research on the Teutonic Order´s activities in Cilicia (today situated in Southern Turkey), focusses on Haruniye – a castle resembling Montfort in many ways that is to be interpreted as an early stronghold entirely built by the Teutonic Order as well (Timm Radt). Moreover a critical overview on its properties throughout Europe during the 13th century sheds new light on the beginnings of the order (Daniel Burger).
Co-written by Daniel Burger (Nuremberg) and Thomas Biller (Freiburg)
The research on the Teutonic Order´s activities in Cilicia (today situated in Southern Turkey), focusses on Haruniye – a castle resembling Montfort in many ways that is to be interpreted as an early stronghold entirely built by the Teutonic Order as well (Timm Radt). Moreover a critical overview on its properties throughout Europe during the 13th century sheds new light on the beginnings of the order (Daniel Burger).
Co-written by Daniel Burger (Nuremberg) and Thomas Biller (Freiburg)
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In 2007 I took part in a collaboration between the universities of Hatay and Halle a.d. Saale which focussed on the architectural remains of ancient and medieval Antioch. Together with Thomas Biller I surveyed the remains of the so-called... more
In 2007 I took part in a collaboration between the universities of Hatay and Halle a.d. Saale which focussed on the architectural remains of ancient and medieval Antioch. Together with Thomas Biller I surveyed the remains of the so-called citadel of Antioch. This is a vast building-structure situated high above the ancient and the modern city. Its remains stem from different periods. They are mainly of byzantine origin; but there are also important contributions built during the frankish occupation of Antioch i.e. by the crusaders.
Research Interests: Crusades, Hellenistic and Roman Fortifications, Byzantine Studies, Byzantine Architecture, Crusades and the Latin East, and 11 moreAncient Near Eastern History, Fortifications, Gothic architecture, The Principality of Antioch, Castles and Fortifications, Ancient Antioch, Historische Bauforschung, Mameluks, Bauforschung, History of Architecture, and Archäologische Bauforschung
A work describing and analysing the ruins of several castles in Cilicia for which an occupation by the Teutonic Knights can be proven or which is at least probable during the 13th century. The focus lays on Amouda / Hemite Kalesi on the... more
A work describing and analysing the ruins of several castles in Cilicia for which an occupation by the Teutonic Knights can be proven or which is at least probable during the 13th century.
The focus lays on Amouda / Hemite Kalesi on the banks of the River Ceyhan and Haruniye / Harun Resit Kalesi near the modern town of Düzici. Against the conclusions of other scholars, especially R.W. Edwards, in both cases the analysis reveals that large parts of the buildings can be attributed to the Teutonic Knights. In the case of Amouda it is especially the chapel that shows a western authorship, but also the keep, the hall in the court and the gate do not fit into the regional armenian customs.
In the case of Haruniye it is even out of question that the castle as a whole was built by the order around 1236. Its architecture shows a strong gothic i.e. french influence. Moreover its plan is reminiscent of the order´s main castle, Montfort in Galilea, which was reinforced at the same time.
The architectural analysis is supplemented by a treatise on the region´s history during the crusades. The political background, i.e. the relationship between the Teutonic Order and the armenian rulers and how this relation led to the building of the castles is discussed in detail.
The focus lays on Amouda / Hemite Kalesi on the banks of the River Ceyhan and Haruniye / Harun Resit Kalesi near the modern town of Düzici. Against the conclusions of other scholars, especially R.W. Edwards, in both cases the analysis reveals that large parts of the buildings can be attributed to the Teutonic Knights. In the case of Amouda it is especially the chapel that shows a western authorship, but also the keep, the hall in the court and the gate do not fit into the regional armenian customs.
In the case of Haruniye it is even out of question that the castle as a whole was built by the order around 1236. Its architecture shows a strong gothic i.e. french influence. Moreover its plan is reminiscent of the order´s main castle, Montfort in Galilea, which was reinforced at the same time.
The architectural analysis is supplemented by a treatise on the region´s history during the crusades. The political background, i.e. the relationship between the Teutonic Order and the armenian rulers and how this relation led to the building of the castles is discussed in detail.
Research Interests: Crusades, Armenian History, Cilicia, Crusades and the Latin East, Crusader States, and 13 moreHistory of the Crusades, Gothic architecture, Crusader Art and Architecture, Military Orders, Teutonic Knights, Castle Studies, Teutonic Order, Castles and Fortifications, Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, The Third Crusade, Deutscher Orden, The Fortifications of Armenian kingdom of Cilicia, and Les chevaliers Teutoniques
Analysis of the fortifications and the remains of the Mameluk bath i.e. the Hammam in the southeastern corner of Crac des Chevaliers' outer bailey.
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Analysis of the the fortifications in the north of Crac des Chevaliers' outer bailey.
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An article that summarizes the content of a lecture I gave at the Koldewey Society conference in 2018. It clarifies the fundamental connections that can be established between the upper castle on the Karasis, its comparative examples... more
An article that summarizes the content of a lecture I gave at the Koldewey Society conference in 2018. It clarifies the fundamental connections that can be established between the upper castle on the Karasis, its comparative examples (Teke Kale in Caria and the palace of Demetrias in Thessalia) and the hellenistic palace complex of Pergamon. On the basis of these functional and architectural parallels, the structure of the latter can be re-read and re-interpreted in a way and to a degree that was not possible before. These findings represent an important scientific `bycatch´ to the research on the ruins on Mount Karasis.
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A short report on the research of St. Martin´s tower in Rottenburg on the River Neckar, presenting one of the few german examples of a gothic pointed tower-top in tracery that was still accomplished during the middle ages.
An article that describes the fortifications of Kirchberg and their construction history between the late Middle Ages and the beginning of the thirty years war.
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An article that analyzes if and to what degree the surveillance of trade routes in the southern Massif Central (i.e. the "Cevennes"), especially the so-called `Voie de Régordane´, contributed to the structure and form of castles in the... more
An article that analyzes if and to what degree the surveillance of trade routes in the southern Massif Central (i.e. the "Cevennes"), especially the so-called `Voie de Régordane´, contributed to the structure and form of castles in the region during the 13th century.
The starting point of this analysis is the castle and village of La Garde Guérin the remains of which are well preserved and that seem to offer a scheme for some kind of fortified toll booth. Moreover the history of the place is well documented in the archives of the diocese of Mende.
By a comparison with other castles and fortified places in the region it becomes clear that the structure and form of these are more relied to the social circumstances of the region´s lower nobility. That is to say that there were many families with many members in one place. Thus there were not compact castles rather than castle-like villages with several towers. Each family had several rights and dutys and formed a kind of traffic police in the territory which was controlled collectively by them. This system can be seen as an equivalent to the so-called `Ganerbiat´ which was established during the same time in parts of Germany.
The starting point of this analysis is the castle and village of La Garde Guérin the remains of which are well preserved and that seem to offer a scheme for some kind of fortified toll booth. Moreover the history of the place is well documented in the archives of the diocese of Mende.
By a comparison with other castles and fortified places in the region it becomes clear that the structure and form of these are more relied to the social circumstances of the region´s lower nobility. That is to say that there were many families with many members in one place. Thus there were not compact castles rather than castle-like villages with several towers. Each family had several rights and dutys and formed a kind of traffic police in the territory which was controlled collectively by them. This system can be seen as an equivalent to the so-called `Ganerbiat´ which was established during the same time in parts of Germany.
Research Interests: Transport History, Medieval Economy, Romanesque architecture, Medieval Landscapes, Medieval Languedoc, and 11 moreMedieval Economic and Social History, Historische Bauforschung, Burgenforschung, Mideval Trade Routes, Massif Central, Histoire des Cévennes, Castellology, Castellologie, Lozère, Histoire Des Transports, and Verkehrsgeschichte
On basis of the evidence in the so-called 'Upper Castle' on Mount Karasis in Cilicia this article analyses the structure of other fortified hellenistic palaces and discusses the question if and in which way the fortifications of these... more
On basis of the evidence in the so-called 'Upper Castle' on Mount Karasis in Cilicia this article analyses the structure of other fortified hellenistic palaces and discusses the question if and in which way the fortifications of these palaces, e.g. Demetrias in Thessaly and Teke Kale in Caria, were designed to demonstrate and emphasize lordship and power.
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The ruins of Kürsat/Közkalesi near Antakya/Antioch (Turkey) was one of the larger castles of the Crusader states, but it has received little attention from researchers. Edmond Fatio and Max van Berchem alone noted the ruins on their... more
The ruins of Kürsat/Közkalesi near Antakya/Antioch (Turkey) was one of the larger castles of the Crusader states, but it has received little attention from researchers. Edmond Fatio and Max van Berchem alone noted the ruins on their travels through Syria in 1894/1895, iden-tifying it as the Cursarium of medieval sources. No more detailed description of the ruin has been produced.First mentioned in 1134, Kürsat achieved some prominence as a fortified secondary residence of the influential patriarch of Antioch from 1165. In the middle of the 13th century the castle was once again substantially enlarged, but it fell to Sultan Baibars in 1275 and lost its importance.The castle, its axes 300 m and 210 m long, lies on a limestone plateau that is hewn out of the hilly landscape by two valleys. The central part of the castle complex, built on a slight elevation, is occupied by a small, rectangular structure – now badly ruined – which was connected to a somewhat more extensive ring wall with the remains of towers; this is provisionally assumed to be the oldest part of the castle. Further architectural remains may be found today above all on the steeply sloping ridge, in particular a long hall with other rooms adjacent to the north and south, which presumably contain vestiges of the seignorial living quarters. To the south, long sections of the ring wall are preserved, with an accompanying passage and the remains of towers of various forms. The most impressive parts of the ruins today are two large horseshoe-shaped towers by the defensive ditch; the eastern tower contained a vaulted hall in Gothic forms. Since the early 20th century substantial parts especially of the eastern tower have collapsed and further deterioration in the state of preservation is anticipated. Consolidation of the structural remains following their investigation and documentation would therefore be highly desirable
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An article analysing the ruins of the Château de Montclus in Southern France (Dpmt. Gard, 12th to early 19th century) and setting them in the historic and architectural context of the region. Restauration works that took place in the... more
An article analysing the ruins of the Château de Montclus in Southern France (Dpmt. Gard, 12th to early 19th century) and setting them in the historic and architectural context of the region.
Restauration works that took place in the recent years revealed more detailed evidence. Thus, the article is about to be overworked / rewritten.
Restauration works that took place in the recent years revealed more detailed evidence. Thus, the article is about to be overworked / rewritten.
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Description and analysis of the medieval ruins on Mount Waldeck in the northern Black Forrest.
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This is a short documentary, that sketchily describes and analyses the remains of the Knights Hospitaller commandery in Werben on the River Elbe (Northern Saxony-Anhalt, Germany), which mainly consist of a single building made of brick.... more
This is a short documentary, that sketchily describes and analyses the remains of the Knights Hospitaller commandery in Werben on the River Elbe (Northern Saxony-Anhalt, Germany), which mainly consist of a single building made of brick. This building is known as the „Lamberti Chapel“. However, the research, which I coincidently conducted only because I spent three days in Werben, showed that it cannot be seen as a chapel or church but as a residential building that was most likely erected under the Hospitallers which founded their commandery in Werben after 1160.
The documentary is not published. After I sent it to the department for historic monuments of the Landesdenkmalamt Sachsen-Anhalt in 2013 the building was analysed by two Master-students of the Technical University Berlin (Moritz Reinäcker and Sanda Sehic – Historische Bauforschung/Denkmalpflege, Prof. Dorothée Sack) on the basis of my work. The analysis of dendrochronological samplings showed that the building was erected in the early 13th century (this documentary is also not published).
The documentary is not published. After I sent it to the department for historic monuments of the Landesdenkmalamt Sachsen-Anhalt in 2013 the building was analysed by two Master-students of the Technical University Berlin (Moritz Reinäcker and Sanda Sehic – Historische Bauforschung/Denkmalpflege, Prof. Dorothée Sack) on the basis of my work. The analysis of dendrochronological samplings showed that the building was erected in the early 13th century (this documentary is also not published).
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Poster summarizing the results of a project on Alt-Winnenden Castle - a rare example of a german early 13th century castle for the architecture of which a french influence can be proven.
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Panel informing about the construction history of the late gothic guildhall in Bad Cannstatt near Stuttgart (text and drawings by Timm Radt, layout Caroline Pöll).
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Wildberg's city walls are rather unknown to scientific research although they are quite well preserved. All in all they stem from one construction phase that took place between 1230 and 1250 - i.e. the late romanesque époque. The counts... more
Wildberg's city walls are rather unknown to scientific research although they are quite well preserved. All in all they stem from one construction phase that took place between 1230 and 1250 - i.e. the late romanesque époque. The counts of Hohenberg - a then very prominent and powerful noble family in Southern Germany - can be named as initiator of the project. Obviously one of the counts´ branches tried to establish a major urban centre as their seat, including a rather large Castle. Nevertheless their ambitions did not succeed and their decline started already in the early 14th century.
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In 2022 and 2023, I carried out an architectural history study of the prelature of Auhausen Monastery (Bavaria, Donau-Ries district), which will serve as the basis for a refurbishment of the building in line with its listed status. Its... more
In 2022 and 2023, I carried out an architectural history study of the prelature of Auhausen Monastery (Bavaria, Donau-Ries district), which will serve as the basis for a refurbishment of the building in line with its listed status. Its origins date back to the 13th century. An exceptionally important finding is the completely preserved, partially decorated ceiling of a plank room from the early 15th century. Extensive modifications were made during the 18th century.
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A talk analyzing two fortified cisterciensian granges located in the southern Massif Central. Both granges have never been object of scientific research until now - Le Crouzet near Aubenas and La Chabroulière near Bauzons/Planzolles.... more
A talk analyzing two fortified cisterciensian granges located in the southern Massif Central. Both granges have never been object of scientific research until now - Le Crouzet near Aubenas and La Chabroulière near Bauzons/Planzolles.
Both were most probably built in the early 14th century and represent a remarkable synthesis between farm building, representative residential building and fortification.
Both were most probably built in the early 14th century and represent a remarkable synthesis between farm building, representative residential building and fortification.
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A talk that mirrors the evidence of the Upper Fort on Mount Karasis ('Oberburg') and its comparison examples (House of Dionysos in Pella, palace of Demetrias, Take Kale in Caria) onto the scarce remains of the hellenistic palace which are... more
A talk that mirrors the evidence of the Upper Fort on Mount Karasis ('Oberburg') and its comparison examples (House of Dionysos in Pella, palace of Demetrias, Take Kale in Caria) onto the scarce remains of the hellenistic palace which are preserved on the socalled 'Burgberg' of Pergamon and which could not be interpreted satisfactorily until now. As shown in the talk there are several significant parallels between the palatial structures of the Upper Fort on Mount Karasis and of Pergamon which allow to read the latter in a new way.
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Just a 3d-reconstruction I have done based on published plans and my own look on the site. Mongialino is a quite exceptional castle, especially its tower. In my eyes it must be viewed along with the famous buildings that were erected... more
Just a 3d-reconstruction I have done based on published plans and my own look on the site. Mongialino is a quite exceptional castle, especially its tower. In my eyes it must be viewed along with the famous buildings that were erected until 1250 by emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen in Italy and Sicily. The drawing has not been published yet.
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A digital illustration depicting the church of St. John in Wannweil near Tübingen around 1080. The drawing is based on an analysis I did three years ago. Besides some italian influenced details on its western facade the most interesting... more
A digital illustration depicting the church of St. John in Wannweil near Tübingen around 1080. The drawing is based on an analysis I did three years ago. Besides some italian influenced details on its western facade the most interesting aspect is that the church was built in close vicinity to a castle the scarce remains of which were excavated in the 90ies. Obviously the owners of this castle used the groundfloor of the church´s tower as their burial place (at least five individuals were buried there). The castle and the church were connected by a bridge. Using this bridge the noble family could enter the church without meeting the lower people and take seat on a gallery on which its members joined the service.
The drawing is not published yet; an article is in progress.
The drawing is not published yet; an article is in progress.
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With this drawing I would like to announce that after years of research, drawing and photo-editing in the evenings after work I have finally managed to complete my work on the hellenistic ruins respectively the fortified Seleucid palace... more
With this drawing I would like to announce that after years of research, drawing and photo-editing in the evenings after work I have finally managed to complete my work on the hellenistic ruins respectively the fortified Seleucid palace on Mount Karasis in Cilicia (Turkey). In accordance with the direction of the department Istanbul of the German Archaeological Institute there will be no online-publication; thus this PDF is to be understood as a small substitute and an appetizer for the print-version which will be published in 2023 (Istanbuler-Forschungen series).
Research Interests: Hellenistic and Roman Fortifications, Hellenistic and Roman Asia Minor, Seleucid Empire, History of Construction, Achaemenid History, and 15 moreHistory of architecture, Greek Fortifications, Pergamon, History of the Hellenistic World (Focus: Seleucid Empire), History and theory of architecture, Ancient Fortifications, Hellenistic architecture, Seleucids, Pergamum, Castles and Fortifications, Antiochos III, Palatial architecture, Demetrius Poliorcetes, Ancient Cilicia, and Hellenistic fortification
Digital reconstruction of Neipperg´s Castle keep which was built around 1240. The drawing is based on a scientific analysis which is carried out until the end of 2020. It will be published in 2021 in a book on Neipperg Castle.
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La Chabroulière is a fortified grange that was erected around 1300 by cisterciensian monks from Les Chambons Abbey in the eastern Cevennes. Digital reconstruction.that will be published in an article about La Chabroulière and another... more
La Chabroulière is a fortified grange that was erected around 1300 by cisterciensian monks from Les Chambons Abbey in the eastern Cevennes. Digital reconstruction.that will be published in an article about La Chabroulière and another cisterciensian grange that is located some kilometer further north. Publication / print in 2021.
Research Interests: Medieval Archaeology, Medieval France, Medieval Architecture, Cistercian architecture, Languedoc, and 10 moreFortifications, Gothic architecture, Cistercian Studies, 3d Reconstructions in Archaeology, Historische Bauforschung, Bauforschung, Cistercians abbeys, Les Abbayes Cisterciennes Et Leur Patrimoine Hydraulique, Ardèche, and Wirtschaftsgeschichte der Zisterzienser
Reconstruction of the castle a short time before its abandonment by the Knights Templar in 1268. Taken from the book " Montfort und der frühe Burgenbau des Deutschen Ordens" published in 2015.
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Research Interests: Art History, Architecture, Medieval History, Crusades, Architectural History, and 13 moreHistory of Art, 3D Reconstruction, Brick and tile (Archaeology), Medieval Art, Teutonic Knights, 3d Reconstructions in Archaeology, Kunstgeschichte, Architektura, Architektur, Historische Bauforschung, Mittelalterliche Geschichte, Backsteingotik, and Deutscher Orden
Reconstruction of a 13th-century heat storage furnace, mixed techniques, drawing commissioned by the Altmühlzentrum Burg Dollnstein
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Altwinnenden Castle around 1240 – my first completely computer generated reconstruction. No CAD, just Photoshop. Next time with people, animals etc.