Combining geophysical and geomorphological data to reconstruct the development of relief of a medieval castle site in the Spessart low mountain range, Germany. Issue 1 (13th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Trappe, Julian; Büdel, Christian; Meister, Julia; Baumhauer, Roland
• Is Part Of: Earth surface processes and landforms. Volume 47:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 228
• Page End: 241
• Publication Date: 2021-10-13
• Subjects: faulting -- geoarchaeology -- geomorphological mapping -- geophysical prospection -- percussion core probing -- sedimentology; Geomorphology -- Periodicals; 551.4
• DOI: 10.1002/esp.5242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-9337

Abstract

Abstract: Within the Spessart low mountain range in central Germany, numerous castle ruins of the 13th century ce exist. Their construction and destruction were often determined by the struggle for political and economic supremacy in the region and for control over the Spessart's natural resources. Wahlmich Castle is located in a relatively uncommon strategic and geomorphological position, characterized by a fairly remote position and atypical rough relief. In order to reconstruct the local relief development and possible human impact, a multi‐method approach was applied combining two‐dimensional geoelectrical measurements, geomorphological mapping and stratigraphic‐sedimentological investigations. This provides new insights into the influence of landscape characteristics on choices of castle locations. The combined geoelectrical, geomorphological and stratigraphic‐sedimentological data show that the rough relief is of natural origin and influenced by regional faulting, which triggered sliding and slumping as well as weathering and dissection of the surface deposits. The rough relief and the lithology permitted intensive land use and building activities. However, the location of the castle offered access to and possibly control over important medieval traffic routes and also represented certain ownership claims in the Aschaff River valley. The economic situation combined with rivalry between different elites led to the castle being built in a geomorphological challenging and strategically less valuable location. Focusing on castles located in rare and challenging geomorphological positions may therefore lead to a better understanding of castle siting in the future. Abstract : In this multi‐method study, geophysical measurements, geographic information system‐based terrain analysis and stratigraphic‐sedimentological investigations were used to reconstruct the local relief development of a medieval castle site in central Germany. In contrast to assumptions about an anthropogenically influenced development of the relief, it could be proven that natural processes caused sliding and subsidence processes, which created a rough and atypical landscape. Overall, this study provides new insights into the influence of landscape characteristics on choices of castle locations.