 The word "Stauf" means "drinking vessel" (beaker or cup) and refers to the conical shape of the mountain.Hohenstaufen castle was built about 1070 by Frederick I of Hohenstaufen—even before he became Duke of Swabia—, as a fortress to protect family interests in the vicinity.Until the 13th century, the castle was a possession of the imperial and royal family, the Hohenstaufen dynasty.