In castle/fortress design, what do you call the wall placed immediately inside the gates that prevents the enemy from having a straight shot into your fortress? : tipofmytongue

[–] collapse_already@lemmy.ml 8 points 2 years ago

Titulum is correct. You could call it a chicane if you want a word more people know.

[+] Sterile_Technique@lemmy.world 7 points 2 years ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

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[–] Cawifre@lemmy.world 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I found a Wikipedia article that expands on motivations for the design: Titulus_(fortification)

The description in the wiki article and the orientation of the diagrams on page 63 of the Keeley document convince me that the ~~more common arrangement was to place the detatched screening wall segment on the exterior of the curtain with an~~ interior version sometimes used either instead of or in addition to the exterior screen.

Edit: I think I read the pg63 diagram orientations wrong, so I think my point is mostly that it can be either inside or outside, and that this whole PDF is really cool.

[+] TheRealCharlesEames@lemm.ee 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

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[–] zcd@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 years ago

The initial defensive entrance of a castle was called a barbican, I'm not sure if that wall you're describing would be considered as part of the barbican or maybe it has its own specific name. It's like a chicane almost

[–] riquisimo@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 years ago

I don't know, and I spent way too long trying to figure it out.

[–] Tar_alcaran@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 years ago

I don't think I've ever seen this in a fort. Usually they would extend the wall outward and place a barbican (a fortified external gatehouse) in front of the regular gate.

[+] CobblerScholar@lemmy.world -4 points 2 years ago

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Tip Of My Tongue