“... alle drew Purchstal”: Archaeological investigations of the castles of the Hertenberg knights in the range of Jeterbenk above Medvode

The wider area around the confluence of the Rivers Sora and Sava holds a marked concentration of medieval castles and strongholds, which reflects the significance of the area as a junction of communications between Ljubljana, Kamnik and Škofja Loka, but also mirrors the changing military and political circumstances on the borders of feudal estates between the 11th and the 15th century. Within this concentration, the castles of the Hertenberg knights hold a special place. The complex of castles in the area of Jeterbenk above Žlebe comprises the Nebojse tower and the castles of Stari Jeterbenk and Novi Jeterbenk, known from historical sources. This publication focuses on the results of the archaeological investigations into the remains of the castle complex that the Department of Archaeology at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, conducted in 2006–2007 and 2018–2021. The investigations have resulted in important advances in our knowledge of the construction features, development and chronology of all three castles of the Jeterbenk complex, as well as the associated small finds that reveal the living standards and life of the Hertenberg family, but also the events that led to the destruction or abandonment of the castles.