Archaeologists Find Historic Castle Beneath Hotel

JAKARTA – Archaeologists discovered a historic medieval castle beneath the Lagose hotel in France. This discovery occurred during the renovation of the hotel which will become the museum’s new home.

Launching Live Science, Monday (1/4/2024), excavations in the hotel courtyard area actually began in 2021. In spring 2023, archaeologists from the French National Institute of Preventive Archeology (INRAP) excavated the courtyard and basement of the hotel which was built in 18th century on the ruins of a medieval castle called Château de Hermine. Vannes Castle, a village on the west coast of Brittany, was founded in 1381 when John IV, ruler of Brittany built it as his fortress and residence.

From the 10th to the 16th centuries, Brittany was known as a medieval feudal state founded after the Vikings were driven from the region. Brittany was then ruled by a line of nobles. After taking power in 1365, John IV began construction of a number of fortresses throughout Brittany, with the Château de Hermine becoming the seat of government.

However, castle it was only used for a century before falling into disrepair when John IV’s grandson, Francis II, moved the capital from Vannes. Renovations took place from the 18th century to the 20th century, and the building was converted several times into a hotel, then a law school, and finally government offices built over the original 14th-century castle. It has been changed.

The whereabouts of John IV Castle were unknown until archaeologists began excavating its foundations in 2021 in anticipation of converting the historic building into a new museum site.

During excavations in the grounds of the old hotel, archaeologists discovered the ruins of a tower overlooking the ground floor and outer moat of the Duke’s house. This castle is about 42 meters long and 17 meters wide, with walls up to 5.5 meters thick. Inside there are several steps, including a ceremonial staircase, as well as carved moldings and decorative door frames. The architectural project cleverly combines defensive and residential functions, according to a translated INRAP statement.

At the edge of the castle, archaeologists discovered a toilet and drainage pipe, perhaps three or four stories high. When they manually searched the toilet, they found coins from the 15th and 16th centuries, discarded cooking utensils and other small items. The damp environment in old toilets also preserves wooden bowl and barrel parts.

Archaeologists also searched the trenches and found jewellery, safety pins, metal buckles and plates, as well as keys and padlocks. People accessed the fortified castle by crossing a wooden bridge over the moat. The bridge no longer exists, but its supports were exposed during excavations.

This archaeological discovery shows how powerful and wealthy Duke John IV was. “Construction of the building was carried out in one stage. “This shows the importance of the financial and human resources used,” said the INRAP statement.

MG/Muhammad Rauzan Ranupane Ramadan

(msf)