Product Description

Fortress-Churches of Languedoc traces the changing relationship between military and religious realms as expressed in architecture across medieval Europe. The scholarship of medieval architecture has traditionally imposed a division between military and ecclesiastical structures. Often, however, medieval churches were provided with fortified enclosures, crenellations, iron-barred doors and other elements of defence, demonstrating the strong link between church and state, and the military and religious realms. In her study of fortress-churches, Sheila Bonde focuses on three twelfth-century monuments in southern France - Maguelone, Agde, and Saint-Pon-de-Thomière, which are among the earliest examples of the type. She analyses her archaeological surveys of these structures, and also re-examines their documentation, which is here presented both in the original Latin and in new English translations. The book also explores the larger context of fortification and authority in twelfth-century Languedoc and examines the dynamics of architectural exchange and innovation in the Mediterranean at a moment of critical historical importance.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6275183 in Books
• Published on: 1994-06-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

Customer Reviews

Marvelous study of Languedoc
For the professional art historian, or an amateur like myself, this is a fascinating study of the rich architechural heritage of this region of France. Recommended for those who want to dig a little deeper than the standard texts.