House of Dahn

It is probable that the Dahns who resided in the southern Palatinate Forest had not migrated there from elsewhere, but were a long-established family.

Some of them made careers in the management and administration for their masters and rose in social standing, leaving their former unfree status behind them.

The amount of space they needed must have been considerable, which is why all five castle rocks were built on; Altdahn and Tanstein probably being the oldest elements, hence why there are fewere references to them.

[1] The early history of the ministeriales of Dahn is largely unclear due to the complex ownership and family relationships.

From Berwartstein Castle, which was close by, we know that Emperor Frederick I gifted it in 1152 to the Bishopric of Speyer as a reward for their support.

[4] On the death of John I of Dahn in 1319 the family lost control over the third castle, Grafendahn, situated between Altdahn and Tanstein.

Henry XIII of Dahn zu Tanstein was a follower of Franz von Sickingen.

In the wake of the Sickingen Feud, Tanstein Castle was occupied by troops from Electoral Trier and not returned until 1544.

Von Dahn (Thann) coat of arms
The von Than coat of arms in the late 15th century Hyghalmen Roll (centre left). The roll was published in 1447–1455 in Cologne and is today in the possession of the College of Arms in London
The castles of Dahn: View from Tanstein Castle rocks (foreground) over Grafendahn Castle to Altdahn Castle.
Neudahn Castle from the south. The castle underwent its first major expansion in the early 16th century in order to protect it from artillery fire. In the foreground are the striking battery towers of this time
Silver spoon with the coat of arms of the lords of Dahn (on the left as viewed)