Feudalism was the common ruling system during the Middle Ages all over Europe and Les Arcs was no exception. Feudal masters replaced each other through the centuries. One family, The Villeneuves, ruled the area for almost 500 years without interruption,
Many of the members of the family played a big role in politics, both on a local and on a regional level. The most important man was Romée Villeneuve who lived in the 13:th century.
Romée had four daughters which all married into royal courts in Europe and all became mighty queens of different kingdoms. During this time in history marriage was more or less a business agreement, especially if you came from a family high up in the noble hierarchy. Romée Villeneuve’s success as a marriage consultant of course aimed to increase his political power and nothing else.
Many of the members of the family played a big role in politics, both on a local and on a regional level. The most important man was Romée Villeneuve who lived in the 13:th century.
Romée had four daughters which all married into royal courts in Europe and all became mighty queens of different kingdoms. During this time in history marriage was more or less a business agreement, especially if you came from a family high up in the noble hierarchy. Romée Villeneuve’s success as a marriage consultant of course aimed to increase his political power and nothing else.
|
Romée Villeneuve also made a major mark in european storytelling. One of the most famous writer ever, Dante Alighieri (1265-1321 AD), used Romée Villeneuve as the role model for the character Integrity in the book Divina Commedia. |
The first time The Castle of Les Arcs is mentioned in any legal documents is in the year of 1250 AD.
However, there have been fortifications on the place much longer than this. It has been proven that some parts of the castle are more than a 1000 years old.