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Heritage classified

Origin and history

La mote castrale de Chaillon is a former medieval fortification located in the commune of Chaillon, in the department of Meuse. This type of structure, typical of the Middle Ages, generally served as a point of defence and territorial control. Its designation as historic monuments by order of 3 December 1990 underlines its heritage importance and its remarkable state of conservation for this period.

Castral mots were key elements of feudal organization in Europe. They allowed the local lords to monitor the surroundings, protect the people and mark their power in a territory. In the Greater East, these structures were often associated with broader defence networks, reflecting the political and military tensions of the medieval era. Their strategic location, like that of Chaillon, offered a certain tactical advantage.

According to available sources, including the Merimée and Monumentum base, the Chaillon castral mot is identified under the ZE 64 and 65 cadastral references. Although the precise architectural details are not described in the source texts, its official classification and location in the municipality (code Insee 55096) confirm its historical anchoring in the Meusian landscape. The accuracy of its location is estimated to be "a priori satisfactory", which facilitates its geographical identification.

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