The Rock Castle of Hostoles: Power and Separation

The Rock Castle Ruins, in the Spanish valley of Hostoles, were constructed in the 9th-10th centuries. Originally a rock castle, it changed hands and played a pivotal role in regional politics from the 11th century. The Mir d'Hostoles family held the castle during the 11th century, with Mir and his son Enees making homage to the Counts of Barcelona. Enees later swore allegiance to the counts, marking an early period of political alliances. However, these alliances led to power abuses and infighting, culminating in the separation of the benefit of peace and truce and the excommunication of its lords in the 13th century.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle's lordship passed through various hands, with Galceran de Cartellà serving as lord until 1225, followed by Guillem Galceran de Cartellà and his wife Blanca de Creixell. Their abuses of power led to their excommunication, and the castle faced continued occupation and conflict until it was ultimately abandoned.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons