Publications
Defensive Architecture and the Oval Shape in Military Treatises between the 16th and 18th Centuries
A reassessment of 16th and 17th-century military treatises reveals that the oval shape, though marginalized by the dominant polygonal 'alla moderna' fortification paradigm, was conceived as a cultivated alternative. While theoretical challenges hindered its widespread adoption in large urban fortifications, smaller coastal strongholds like Fort Pâté, Fort Louvois, and Fort Lupin—part of Vauban's Atlantic coastal defense network—demonstrate its practical feasibility. These findings highlight the oval's potential as an effective design matrix in specific defensive contexts, bridging theoretical innovation with operational implementation.
Besançon sous la menace d’un siège (octobre 1870-février 1871)
In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, Besançon's Vauban fortifications faced imminent threat from advancing German forces. Despite expectations of a siege, the city was spared, though repeated dangers loomed. This study examines how the population and military authorities responded to these threats, highlighting the resilience and strategic significance of Vauban’s defensive structures during wartime. The research relies on historical accounts and archival records, offering insights into civilian behavior under duress and the effectiveness of 19th-century fortifications.
Les fortifications médiévales et modernes de Besançon : étude historique et archéologique
A comprehensive study of Besançon's fortifications from 1290 to 1789 reveals five distinct evolutionary phases, shaped by political upheavals and military strategies. The research combines archival analysis with architectural archaeology, uncovering lost defensive structures and tracing their transformation through medieval, early modern, Vauban-era, and later adaptations. Key findings highlight the city's strategic significance, with its morpho-geological advantages influencing fortification design across centuries. Seven specific structures were examined in detail, providing insights into construction techniques and historical context.
The contribution of the italian architect Giovanni Morando Visconti to the knowledge of the antiquities of Roman Dacia
Giovanni Morando Visconti, an Italian architect and engineer, made significant contributions to the understanding of Roman Dacia's antiquities during his service in the Habsburg army. His work, particularly the design of the Fortifications of Vauban in Alba Iulia, where he succumbed to the plague, left a lasting legacy. Visconti also created the first printed map of Transylvania and neighboring territories, marking civil localities, fortifications, and Roman ruins. This map remains invaluable for archaeologists today. His career, marked by close ties with General Eugene of Savoy and high imperial confidence, highlights his technical expertise and humanistic knowledge, which he applied during the Habsburg-Ottoman conflicts (1683-1699).
Une architecture sous influence - Malte et les architectes et ingénieurs militaires français pendant le règne de Louis XIV (1643-1715) : les choix politiques de l'ordre de Saint-Jean de Jérusalem
A pivotal shift in architectural influence occurred at Malte's Fortifications of Vauban during the 17th century, marking the transition from Spanish to French dominance. This study reveals that the arrival of prominent French military engineers in 1645 catalyzed this change, significantly shaping Malta's strategic and architectural landscape. The research highlights the role of Médéric Blondel, the first resident French engineer, whose influence introduced classical elements into Malta's baroque architecture, aligning with Louis XIV's preferred French school of architecture. By analyzing political, strategic, social, and aesthetic factors, as well as the careers of key figures, the study demonstrates how French military expertise, particularly Vauban's innovations, became central to Malta's fortifications under the Order of Saint John.
Chapitre 5. Entre destructions et mises en valeur (XVIe-XXIe siècle)
The fortifications of Vauban in Metz underwent significant transformations from the 16th to the 21st century, marked by phases of destruction and preservation. Initially damaged during a siege in 1552, the city's medieval defenses were partially demolished and integrated into a new bastion system beginning in 1560. Vauban's interventions in the late 17th century standardized this approach, replacing medieval elements with modern fortifications, though some remnants survived. The 19th century saw both further destruction—particularly under German annexation—and a growing romantic interest in medieval architecture. Restoration efforts began in the mid-20th century, culminating in the 2014 restoration of the Porte des Allemands for cultural use. This study highlights the complex interplay between military necessity, urban development, and heritage preservation over five centuries.
Les ingénieurs des fortifications dans les Pays-Bas espagnols, 1530-1713
During the two centuries of Spanish Habsburg rule over the Netherlands, nearly 460 engineers played pivotal roles in defending the region. Introduced by Charles V and his entourage, these engineers—initially Italian—were among the highest-paid officials outside the military but closely collaborated with it. Their activities spanned fortification, hydraulics, urban planning, cartography, architecture, and proto-industry. While their training evolved from apprenticeships to Jesuit-founded schools and the Brussels Academy of Mathematics (1674), their social and professional traits—endogamy, mobility, merit-based recognition—remained consistent. Despite occasional loyalty issues, their indispensable technical skills ensured continued employment during periods of endemic warfare. This study highlights their multifaceted contributions and enduring significance in the context of UNESCO World Heritage Site fortifications.
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin). Boulevard de la Victoire/Nouveau Planétarium
Archaeological excavations on the site between the University of Strasbourg's Institute of Geology and Zoology, along Boulevard de la Victoire, revealed significant insights into the pre-fortification landscape. The study identified limono-sandy alluvial deposits at the base of the excavation, providing a clearer understanding of the environmental conditions prior to Vauban's fortifications in Strasbourg. This research was driven by the university's plan to develop a garden and planetarium on the site. By analyzing these geological layers, the team reconstructed the ancient terrain, contributing valuable data to the study of Strasbourg's historical geography.
Les hydrosystèmes militaires défensifs de Basse-Alsace (XVIIe-XVIIIe siècles)
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Alsace's shifting eastern borders spurred the development of unique defensive hydrosystems—a strategic innovation distinct from Vauban's traditional fortifications. These systems, shaped by regional geography and geostrategic pressures, formed a flexible network of field fortifications to counter advancing threats. The study reveals how military planners adapted to dynamic frontiers, blending natural waterways with defensive engineering to create a resilient barrier. By analyzing historical records and spatial data, the research highlights the interplay between landscape and strategy in early modern warfare.
A Time of Doubt: the Standing of Permanent Fortification in the Eighteenth Century
Eighteenth-century military engineering lacked precise understanding of Vauban's revolutionary fortifications, despite his teachings' widespread acceptance. His definitive treatises (1704, 1706) remained inaccessible due to defective editions and restricted manuscripts until authentic versions appeared in 1829. Sturm (1736) noted that Vauban's systems were never publicly documented, though some reconstructions—like the Veritable Maniere de Fortifier (1693, attributed to Abbe du Fay but authored by Chevalier de Cambray)—were deemed accurate. This study reveals how Vauban's innovations, though influential, remained shrouded in secrecy until postmortem publications clarified their principles.
Discrete Element Modeling of Stone Masonry Walls With Varying Core Conditions: Prince of Wales Fort Case Study
Stone masonry walls with rubble cores can transition from stability to instability as cohesion between stones decreases, according to discrete element modeling (DEM) using the non-smooth contact dynamics method. This study highlights that grouting the core could serve as an effective conservation strategy for deteriorating fortifications like the Prince of Wales Fort in Churchill, Manitoba. The research employed DEM simulations to analyze the failure mechanisms of the fort's walls, which have suffered significant degradation due to harsh weather conditions. By altering the cohesion parameters in the model, the study demonstrated how the structural integrity of the rubble core could be compromised, offering insights into preventative conservation methods for similar historic sites.
La population de Toulon au XVIIe siècle et au début du XVIIIe siècle : recherche des prémices de la révolution démographique
A dynamic urban population in Toulon, France, exhibited high natality rates but relatively low fecundity during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, primarily due to near-universal maternal breastfeeding practices. This study reveals the city's demographic contributions to its overall growth, contrasting with historical norms. Researchers employed an original, sequential method analyzing birth intervals statistically, providing insights into fertility patterns amid cultural shifts. The findings highlight Toulon's transformation from a modest fishing and trade hub under Louis XIV and Vauban's fortifications into a strategic naval stronghold, offering a nuanced view of demographic evolution during this pivotal period.
Metz (Moselle). Allée de la Tour des Esprits : « Fermeté de la Grève »
The fortifications of Metz, constructed in the early 13th century to protect outer quarters beyond its late antique ramparts, once encompassed 160 hectares with over 5.5 kilometers of walls. By the end of the Middle Ages, these defenses had largely been dismantled by the mid-16th century and rendered obsolete by Vauban's modern fortification system in the late 17th century. Today, remnants spanning approximately 1,000 meters remain, primarily in Metz's eastern sector, preserving a tangible link to its medieval military architecture. This study reconstructs the historical evolution of Metz's fortifications, highlighting their transition from ancient ramparts to Vauban-era defenses, and examines the archaeological evidence that underscores this shift.
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