Castra Exempta di FEDERICO II in calabria 1239-1250
castra exempta
The castra exempta were unique castles built within Frederick II’s defensive network. The term castra derives from the fortified encampments erected by Roman armies during military campaigns. These encampments later evolved, and the term, which is castrum in the singular, became what we refer to as the present-day castle. The adjective exempta stands for the fact that these places had a distinctive feature, namely that they were located in especially strategic points and were essential for the Kingdom’s system of defense. For this reason, Frederick believed that their control should be under his direct stewardship. Therefore he had the power to dismiss and hire the castellans employed in the management of these castles.
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CASTRUM AGELLI
The earliest established records of this castle date from 1065, when the fortress was besieged for four months by the Normans. They were led by Robert of Altavilla, known as Terror Mundi. Its location was strategic, as it held the ancient Via Traiana Tirrenica and the Via Rhegium-Capua in check. The former connected Benevento with Brindisi, and the latter ran from Reggio Calabria to Capua. The castle was important even after Frederick II; there are reports that Charles of Anjou sent three prisoners to the fortress, which was considered safer than the one in Cosenza..
Aiello Calabro (CS) – locate on the map
Image by https://aiellocalabro.blogspot.com/ – crediti Ph- Bruno Pino 2019
CASTRUM AGELLI
The first record of a castellan dates back to 1192, and there are several records of the later proprietors as well. The castle occupied a crucial strategic position in the center of the Via Traiana Jonica between the castles of Rocca Imperiale and Stilo. From the sources, we know the name of a castellan appointed by Frederick II, a certain Petrus Rufus. It should be noted that, under the reign of the Stupor Mundi, upkeep might not have been so thorough. Indeed, there are later records, during the reign of Charles of Anjou (who defeated Frederick II’s son, Manfred), that report urgent and essential works on the castle’s towers. Today, it can be visited and is known as the Castle of Charles V.
Crotone – Locate on the map
Immagine da https://castellocarlovcrotone.it/
CASTRUM NEOCASTRI
The earliest record of the castle dates back to 1058, when a group of Calabrian rebels, weary of Norman occupation, stormed the castle, killing the 60 soldiers in its garrison. Frederick II obtained the castle through an exchange with the bishop of Nicastro, who received the castle of Rocca Falluca. Frederick wanted the castle because of its strategic position, located at a junction between the ancient Traina Tirrenica – Popilia – Istimica roads. Like Castrum Cutroni, it, too, ended up in the hands of Charles of Anjou, who, in 1277, listed it among those in need of maintenance. To this day, large sections of ruins remain, but it cannot be visited.
Nicastro (CZ) – Locate on the map
Immagine da https://www.beniculturalionline.it/
CASTRUM SQUILLACI
The first record dates back to 1059 and relates to a siege by Robert of Altavilla. It is reported that, at that time, he held eleven fortresses, and only Squillace remained to be taken. Further historical evidence, albeit indirect, is dated 1202 and concerns what we would call a notary act today: A castellan by the name of Bizanotes bore witness to a donation of a monastery by Count William of Squillace, whose wife Medania acted as the other witness. Regarding the time of Frederick II, the castle is one of the few that is not included in the various decrees concerning repairs. The castle can be visited to this day.
Squillace (CZ) – individua sulla mappa
Immagine da https://fondoambiente.it/
CASTRUM STILI
The castle of Stilo stands on the southern Ionian coast, not far from the other fortress of Squillace. Among its intriguing features are its considerably large towers placed closely together, effectively rendering it a defensive bulwark. There are several legends related to the castle. One of these recounts that during a siege by the Saracens, the besieged population threw ricotta cheese made from women’s milk to show that they had enough food to hold out for a lengthy period of time. It is unclear when the castle was built; some sources attest to a fortification as early as the Early Middle Ages, but the type of fortification is unclear. Instead, it is attested that Frederick II replaced the castellan in 1239. The castle can be visited but requires a long walk.
Stilo (RC) – individua sulla mappa
Immagine da https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/
CASTRUM BUBALINI
The castle’s structure leads scholars to believe it was built in Norman times. Indeed, its geometry differs from that of the pre-existing kastra of the Byzantine era. The castle was the property of the curia during the time of Frederick II, but later, it seems to have ended up in private hands. In fact, a document from 1276 states that a certain Margherita of Sinopoli was responsible for its upkeep. This also indicates that the castle was no longer considered of strategic importance to be included in the list of castra exempta.
Bovalino (RC) – individua sulla mappa
CASTRUM REGII
From the sources and studies on the castle, it seems that it may date back to Byzantine times, though it was conquered and “modernized” by the Normans. Its location was strategically important as it stands almost directly over the strait, like a guardian between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas and a gateway to Sicily. The record that the castle became one of Frederick II’s castra exempta is dated 1239. Later sources report that the structure required extensive upkeep, so much so that even the castle’s oven was in poor condition. Today, it is known as the Aragonese castle of Reggio Calabria and hosts exhibitions and events.
Reggio Calabria – individua sulla mappa
Immagine da https://it.wikipedia.org/
CASTRUM AMIGALIE/AMENDOLIE
The structure features elements typical of Norman castles, although archaeological excavations have suggested it was first the site of a Byzantine kastron. A document dated October 5, 1239, reports its inclusion within Frederick’s castra exempta, and shortly thereafter, the castellan was replaced. This choice was not accidental, but due to the membership of the Norman family that controlled the castle and the area, which held great importance and a certain degree of autonomy. A unique aspect is related to the name of the castle. It might either be derived from the surname of the person who conquered the fortress or as a reference to the toponym, that is, the place name of the area. The second hypothesis refers to the term Amygdalus communis, or almond tree, which in the dialect version becomes mendola or mendula. A 1280 note reports that the castle required substantial maintenance; these include an unusable kitchen and oven, a battered roof, and even a cistern in need of repair.
Amendolea, frazione di Condofuri (RC) – individua sulla mappa
Immagine da https://turismo.reggiocal.it/
BIBLIOGRAFIA: I castelli normanno-svevi di Calabria nelle fonti scritte, Franco Severini Giordano, Calabria letteraria, 2014, ISBN 8875742804, 9788875742805
Comune di Rocca Imperiale
Via Castello Aragona | Rocca Imperiale (CS) CAP 87074
Tel. 0981 93 63 91
Fax. 0981 93 63 65
info@roccaimperiale.info
www.comune.roccaimperiale.cs.it