FortificationA fortification (also called a fort, fortress, fastness, or stronghold) is a military construction designed for the defense of territories in warfare, and is used to establish rule in a region during peacetime. The term is derived from Latin fortis ("strong") and facere ("to make"). From very early history to modern times, defensive walls have often been necessary for cities to survive in an ever-changing world of invasion and conquest.
Fortified towerA fortified tower (also defensive tower or castle tower or, in context, just tower) is one of the defensive structures used in fortifications, such as castles, along with defensive walls such as curtain walls. Castle towers can have a variety of different shapes and fulfil different functions.
Great Wall of ChinaThe Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications in China. They were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe. The first walls date to the 7th century BC; these were joined together in the Qin dynasty. Successive dynasties expanded the wall system; the best-known sections were built by the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
PalisadeA palisade, sometimes called a stakewall or a paling, is typically a row of closely placed, high vertical standing tree trunks or wooden or iron stakes used as a fence for enclosure or as a defensive wall. Palisades can form a stockade. EtymologyPalisade derives from pale, from the Latin word , meaning stake, specifically when used side by side to create a wood defensive wall.
BastionA bastion is a structure projecting outward from the curtain wall of a fortification, most commonly angular in shape and positioned at the corners of the fort. The fully developed bastion consists of two faces and two flanks, with fire from the flanks being able to protect the curtain wall and the adjacent bastions.
Atlantic WallThe Atlantic Wall (German: Atlantikwall) was an extensive system of coastal defences and fortifications built by Nazi Germany between 1942 and 1944 along the coast of continental Europe and Scandinavia as a defence against an anticipated Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe from the United Kingdom, during World War II. The manning and operation of the Atlantic Wall was administratively overseen by the German Army, with some support from Luftwaffe ground forces.
Anastasian WallThe Anastasian Wall (Ancient Greek: Ἀναστάσειον Τεῖχος, Anastáseion Teîchos; Turkish: Anastasius Suru) or the Long Walls of Thrace (Greek: Μακρὰ Τείχη τῆς Θράκης, Makrà Teíchē tês Thrákēs) or simply the Long Wall (Ancient Greek: Μακρὸν τεῖχος; Turkish: Uzun Duvar) is an ancient stone and turf fortification located 64 km (40 mi) west of Constantinople, built by the Eastern Roman Empire during the late 5th century.
Hadrian's WallDefensive fortification in Roman BritainA view of a partially-reconstructed section of Hadrian's Wall. The upright stones on top are a modern addition, to deter people from walking on it.Hadrian's Wall is a former defensive fortification of the Roman province of Britannia, begun in AD 122 in the reign of the Emperor Hadrian.
Curtain wall (fortification)A curtain wall is a defensive wall between fortified towers or bastions of a castle, fortress, or town. Ancient fortificationsEvidence for curtain walls or a series of walls surrounding a town or fortress can be found in the historical sources from Assyria and Egypt. Some notable examples are ancient Tel Lachish in Israel and Buhen in Egypt.
GateA gate or gateway is a point of entry to or from a space enclosed by walls. The word is derived from Proto-Germanic*gatan, meaning an opening or passageway. Synonyms include yett (which comes from the same root word) and portal. The concept originally referred to the gap or hole in the wall or fence, rather than a barrier which closed it. Gates may prevent or control the entry or exit of individuals, or they may be merely decorative.Benin MoatThe Benin Moat (Edo: Iyanuwo), also known as the Benin City Iya, the Inner City Iya of Benin or the Wall of Benin, is a large earthwork within Benin City in Nigeria's Edo state, part of which formerly encircled the city at the time of the Benin Empire.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.