Sicilian Castles and Coastal Towers: Signaling a shift in Trade Networks, Territorial Organization, and Defensive Strategies in Post-Medieval Sicily (original) (raw)

Abstract

While much attention has been paid to the development of castles as the hallmark architectural symbol of the Middle Ages, less attention has been given to the changes in European defensive strategies that occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries. It was at this time when the modern nations of Europe began to take form, as sea-based trade between distant nations took precedence over land-based trade routes. This paper examines how this transformation manifested in the defensive structures of Sicily, Italy, where the hilltop castles of the Middle Ages gradually gave way to a more cohesive network of coastal towers around the island. Putting this transition in its historical context, presenting an anthropological model from which to view this transition, and using geospatial methods to track these changes, the results of this study indicate that as defensive towers began to dominate the Sicilian coast around the 16th century, their command over the environment was no greater than that of the feudal castles which were still in use. Yet, unlike the castles of feudal lords, these towers represented an island-wide system of defense and the beginning of an adherence to a more centralized power structure then seen previously.

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What explains the shift from inland castles to coastal defenses in Sicily?add

The study reveals that from the 15th to 17th centuries, Sicily's defenses transitioned from inland castles to an island-wide network of coastal towers due to increased maritime threats like piracy and changing trade routes.

How did geopolitical factors influence Sicily's defensive strategies?add

Research indicates that pressures from the Ottoman Empire and the emergence of Northern European maritime powers in the 16th century necessitated a rebalancing of Sicily's political and defensive structures.

What methodologies were used to analyze the visibility of Sicilian fortifications?add

The study employed geospatial analyses and cumulative viewshed assessments, analyzing over 600 defensive structures to track changes in visual focus and placement over time.

When did systematic coastal defenses begin to emerge in Sicily?add

The coastal defense network began to take shape in the late 15th century, with significant developments occurring throughout the 16th century as coastal towers appeared around major port cities.

What role did piracy play in shaping fortification designs in Sicily?add

The paper argues that the rising threat of piracy, rather than solely Ottoman aggression, was a significant factor prompting the enhancement of coastal defenses in Sicily during the Early Modern era.

Last updatedOctober 09, 2025