Rampart (fortification)

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The multiple ramparts of the British Camp hillfort in Herefordshire

In fortification architecture, a rampart is a length of embankment or wall forming part of the defensive boundary of a castle, hillfort, settlement or other fortified site. It is usually broad-topped and made of excavated earth and/or masonry.[1][2]

Types

Earth ditch and rampart defences on the Ipf near Bopfingen, Germany
Reconstructed pfostenschlitzmauer of the oppidum at Finsterlohr, Creglingen, Germany

The composition and design of ramparts varied from the simple mounds of earth and stone, known as dump ramparts, to more complex earth and timber defences (box ramparts and timberlaced ramparts), as well as ramparts with stone revetments.

Vitrified ramparts were composed of stone that was subsequently fired, possibly to increase its strength.[2]

Early fortifications

Many types of early fortification, from

motte and bailey castle
of northern Europe in the early medieval period.

Classical fortifications

During the

wall walk for the defenders to hurl missiles from and a parapet to protect them from the missiles thrown by attackers. Well known examples of classical stone ramparts include Hadrian's Wall and the Walls of Constantinople
.

Medieval fortifications

The rampart of the Cité de Carcassonne in the Aude department of France. Originally constructed in the 4th century AD by the Romans, they were largely rebuilt in 1240 and heavily restored in the 19th century

After the

Fieldworks
, however, continued to make use of earth ramparts due to their relatively temporary nature.

Elements of a rampart in a stone castle or town wall from the 11th to 15th centuries included:

  • Parapet: a low wall on top of the rampart to shelter the defenders.
  • Crenellation: rectangular gaps or indentations at intervals in the parapet, the gaps being called
    embrasures or crenels, and the intervening high parts being called merlons
    .
  • Loophole or arrowslit: a narrow opening in a parapet or in the main body of the rampart, allowing defenders to shoot out without exposing themselves to the enemy.
  • Chemin de ronde or wallwalk: a pathway along the top of the rampart but behind the parapet, which served as a fighting platform and a means of communication with other parts of the fortification.
  • Machicolation: an overhanging projection supported by corbels, the floor of which was pierced with openings so that missiles and hot liquids could be thrown down on attackers.
  • Brattice: a timber gallery built on top of the rampart and projecting forward from the parapet, to give the defenders a better field of fire.[4]

Artillery fortifications

trace italienne
style in 1549

In response to the introduction of

Vauban
and was the dominant style of fortification until the mid-19th century.

Elements of a rampart in an artillery fortification from the 16th to 19th centuries included:

  • Exterior slope: the front face of the rampart, often faced with stone or brick.
  • Interior slope: the back of the rampart on the inside of the fortification; sometimes retained with a masonry wall but usually a grassy slope.
  • Parapet (or breastwork) which protected and concealed the defending soldiers.
  • small arms
    .
  • Barbette: a raised platform for one or more guns enabling them to fire over the parapet.
  • Embrasure: an opening in the parapet for guns to fire through.
  • Terreplein: the top surface or "fighting platform" of the rampart, behind the parapet.
  • Traverse: an earthen embankment, the same height as the parapet, built across the terreplein to prevent it being swept by
    enfilade
    fire.
  • Casemate: a vaulted chamber built inside the rampart for protected accommodation or storage, but sometimes pierced by an embrasure at the front for a gun to fire through.
  • Bartizan (also guérite or echauguette): a small turret projecting from the parapet, intended to give a good view to a sentry while remaining protected.[7]

Archaeological significance

As well as the immediate archaeological significance of such ramparts in indicating the development of military tactics and technology, these sites often enclose areas of historical significance that point to the local conditions at the time the fortress was built.[2]

See also

References