Mittelalterliche Burgen und Befestigungen im Barnim und Nordteltow (Brandenburg)

With very few exceptions medieval castles and fortifications have not survived in the area of the Barnim and Nordteltow. But, we must remember that castles played a decisive role in the conquest and settlement of the Spree and Havel areas by the princely houses of the Askanier and Wettiner. At the end of the 12th and the beginning of the 13th century they took possession of Slavic central places and castles that served as a support for their further expansions. Some new castles were built in response to military needs. After the victory of the Akanier and the consolidation of the country many castles lost their military significance and were abandoned or left to the nobility. In the shadow of almost every German castle we find the formation of a town. Some castles survived and were even extended as they took over administrative functions.