“Cum prius de lignamine castrum fecissent, modo fecerunt de muro” : The Destruction of Rural Fortresses and Its Political Significance in Northern Italy During the Age of Communes (Twelfth–Thirteenth Centuries)

This essay explores the conflicts triggered by the presence of stone fortifications in communal northern Italy between the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. It focuses on three primary areas of tension involving the communes: confrontations with territorial powers, inter-city conflicts, and struggles against political exiles. Drawing on a selection of case studies, the analysis highlights the diverse motivations behind the destruction of stone fortresses, examining their military, political, and symbolic dimensions. Special attention is given to understanding how the material properties of stone may have influenced decisions regarding the fortifications’ fate.