The Research of Transcarpathian Castles by Expedition of Uzhhorod National University

Abstract

The three main periods in the construction of the Medieval fortifications in the Transcarpathian Region have been distinguished basing on the material of the field campaigns of 2007—2017. The first period dated by the late 13th century (Bronka, Nevytske and Siltse) and the second one by the mid-14th century (Korolevo, Khust and Nevytske) were connected to the construction of the system of castles in the Hungarian Kingdom. Their building was motivated by the threat coming from the south and took place in the context of the post-Mongol economic recovery. The round-shaped towers were typical for the first period and the square-shaped towers — for the second building period. Both periods were characterized by small territory occupied by the fortifications and a thin cultural layer. It makes us possible to argue about their controlling function as watchtowers at that time.

Situation has substantially changed in the second half of the 15th — early16th century when the fire weapons became widely spread. It was followed by the massive reconstruction of the existing fortifications (Korolevo, Vynogradiv and Nevytske) and construction of the new solid fortifications (Seredne, Kvasovo). The ruined castle in Bronka had been used as a controlling post.

Most of the castles, except of Uzhhorod, Mukachevo and Khust, had ceased functioning during the 17th—18th century.