DOCSLIB.ORG

Historical Context of Mozambique Island and the São Sebastião Fortress …………

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Historical Context of Mozambique Island and the São Sebastião Fortress ………… The São Sebastião fortress at Mozambique Island A testimony of the variety in sixteenth century military architecture Daan Lavies Utrecht 2012 Supervisor: prof. dr. K.A. Ottenheym Master thesis History of Architecture & the Preservation of Monuments University of Utrecht P.D. Lavies Student number: 3017613 Contact: [email protected] Master program: History of Architecture & the Preservation of Monuments Faculty of Humanities University of Utrecht Utrecht, July 2012 v.1.3 Contents Preface …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Chapter 1: Historical context of Mozambique Island and the São Sebastião fortress ………….... 5 1.1 The arrival of the Portuguese on the East African coast ………………………………………………………………… 5 1.2 The position of Mozambique Island in the Estado da Índia ……………………………………………………………… 7 1.3 The rise of Portuguese military architecture on Mozambique Island …………………………………………….. 9 Chapter 2: Renaissance innovations in military architecture …………………………………………………… 13 2.1 The development of the bastion system …………………………………………………………………………………………. 13 2.2 Renaissance military treatises …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 2.3 The spread of the system ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22 2.4 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 24 Chapter 3: The São Sebastião fortress today …………………………………………………………………………. 25 3.1 The current structure ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25 3.2 Restorations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 30 3.3 Additional fortifications …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 32 Chapter 4: Phases of construction and modifications of the fortress …………………………………….. 35 4.1 The earliest descriptions and maps of the São Sebastião fortress ………………………………………………….. 37 4.2 The consequences of the Dutch attacks on Mozambique Island ………………………………………………….. 40 4.3 The initial outline of the São Sebastião fortress drawn by Erédia ………………………………………………….. 40 4.4 A visualisation of alterations in Erédia’s second map of Mozambique Island ………………………………….. 44 4.5 The records on renovation from the Livro das plantas de tôdas as fortalezas ……………………………….. 47 4.6 The atlas of Leonard Ferrari ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 51 4.7 The final alterations as depicted on two anonymous maps kept in Maputo ………………………………….. 54 4.8 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 58 Chapter 5: Interpretation of the São Sebastião architecture …………………………………………………… 61 5.1 The initial layout evaluated as an exponent of renaissance military architecture ………………………….. 61 5.2 The geographical and strategic anticipations in the initial fortification design ……………………………….. 66 5.3 The logic behind the modification plans made in the sixteenth and seventeenth century ………………. 68 5.4 A comparison between the bastioned fortification of Mazagão and Mozambique ………………………….. 79 5.5 The appearance of the ‘hybrid’ defence system in sixteenth century fortification theories ……………. 82 5.6 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 93 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 95 Appendix I: The architect of the São Sebastião fortress …………………………………………………………………………………………. 99 Appendix II: The history of secondary fortifications of Santo António and São Lourenço ……………………………………….. 101 Glossary ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 105 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 109 Illustration sources ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 117 Preface Most people reacted surprised when I told them that a Portuguese fortress in Mozambique formed the focus of my Master thesis. Although the subject combines my passion for architecture with my love for Africa, the topic might indeed not have seemed to be the most obvious choice. If it was not for the internship that the Netherlands embassy at Maputo had offered me, this study would not have existed. In the spring of 2010 I was invited to come to Mozambique to write a report on the Dutch presence in the region during the seventeenth and eighteenth century. As will be mentioned in this thesis, also the São Sebastião fortress played a role in this history. Having seen the fortress on Ilha de Moçambique I wanted to know more about it. Why was it built here? Which parts have been built when? And above all, what logic lies behind the design? Although the entire island has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, the amount of studies that touched upon these questions proved to be very limited. Especially reliable non-Portuguese literature on the subject is scarce. Through this study hopefully more experts in the field of military architecture will become familiar with this fortification. This might help getting a more complete insight into the variety in renaissance military architectural theories. Furthermore, I hope that people who already know this fortress in Mozambique, will have gained a better understanding of the structure after reading this study. I would like to thank all the people who have made this study possible and who gave me advice and support during the process. In Mozambique I have experienced a very warm welcome from the staff of the Netherlands Embassy. Furthermore, I would like to thank the architects José Forjaz and Francisco Monteiro for inviting me to their offices and for the information they shared with me. Also the cooperation from the museum of Mozambique Island is very much appreciated. Back in the Netherlands Edwin Paar helped me with the interpretation of the Portuguese texts which have been essential for this research. My supervisor prof. dr. Koen Ottenheym I would like to thank for the enthusiasm with which he gave his lectures in the past years and his advice during this study. Last but not least I would like to thank my family and my girlfriend for their patience and their tremendous support. The writing of this thesis has taken more time than I could have ever imagined. Although I planned to invest some extra time in this study, I did not foresee that a traffic accident in April 2011 resulted in the fact that that during the following year no progress was made. With the completion of this thesis an end has come to my live as a student, although I hope to keep learning a lot in the future! Daan Lavies Utrecht, July 2012 1 2 Introduction At the end of the fifteenth century Portuguese voyages had reached out to all continents of the earth. Contemporaneously, within Europe, fortification architecture was in a phase of intensive development. These two very different evolvements eventually resulted in the establishment of European fortifications along many far away shores, following new insights in the field of military engineering. The most prominent invention of renaissance military architecture has undoubtedly been the angle bastion. As historian John Hale has noted: ‘the application of the angle bastion to forts and town walls led to a homogeneity of style wherever the Europeans settled overseas.’ ‘The international style par excellance of the renaissance was that of military architecture.’ 1 Indeed, such defences can be found in places as far apart as Malacca, Recife, Cape Town and Havana. The image of a homogeneous style which has been universally applied could, however, lead to oversimplification. As will be discussed within this research, this has led to studies in which absolute consensus on the principals of renaissance military architecture has been implied. Such an outlook makes it difficult to explain fortification forms which do not comply with what is considered to be the standard. The assumption made in this study is that more variation has existed within renaissance military theories, than is commonly acknowledged. This hypothesis will be tested in a case study. This research focuses on a fort where aspects of its design are not built in agreement with the principals of renaissance military architecture as these are defined in most modern day literature. Because of the unusual shape of its outline, the São Sebastião fortress at Mozambique Island forms an interesting example. Within this case study the main aim is to gain a better understanding of this fortification. It will be tried to determine what approach to military architecture has led to its initial design and the applied modifications. Before this question can be answered, the different construction phases and the logic behind this will have to become clear. From there on, it can be investigated in what theories this design is embedded and where these ideas originate from. By critically analysing this extraordinary fortification, it is hoped that insights are gained which are also more generally applicable. The focus of this study will be on fortification outlines and the logic behind these forms. The structure of this thesis is as follows. The first chapter will provide an historical context of the São Sebastião fort. Here the role Mozambique Island played in the Portuguese sphere of influence is briefly discussed. Furthermore, defence architecture built on the island before the São Sebastião fortress was built will be mentioned. The second chapter describes the improvements of military architecture during the renaissance. Mostly based on modern literature, the development and spread of the new bastioned defence system will be discussed here. In chapter three the São Sebastião fort in its current state will be described as a starting
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Engineers of the Renaissance
    Bertrand Gille Engineers of the Renaissance . II IIIII The M.I.T.Press Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts ' ... � {' ( l..-'1 b 1:-' TA18 .G!41J 1966 METtTLIBRARY En&Jneersor theRenaissance. 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 0020119043 Copyright @ 1966 by Hermann, Paris Translated from Les ingenieurs de la Renaissance published by Hermann, Paris, in 1964 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 66-27213 Printed in Great Britain Contents List of illustrations page 6 Preface 9 Chapter I The Weight of Tradition 15 2 The Weight of Civilization 3 5 3 The German School 55 4 The First Italian Generation 79 5 Francesco di Giorgio Martini 101 Cj 6 An Engineer's Career -Leonardo da Vinci 121 "'"" f:) 7 Leonardo da Vinci- Technician 143 ��"'t�; 8 Essay on Leonardo da Vinci's Method 171 �� w·· Research and Reality ' ·· 9 191 �' ll:"'t"- 10 The New Science 217 '"i ...........,_ .;::,. Conclusion 240 -... " Q: \.., Bibliography 242 �'� :::.(' Catalogue of Manuscripts 247 0 " .:; Index 254 � \j B- 13 da Page Leonardo Vinci: study of workers' positions. List of illustrations 18 Apollodorus ofDamascus: scaling machine. Apollodorus of Damascus: apparatus for pouring boiling liquid over ramparts. 19 Apollodorus ofDamascus: observation platform with protective shield. Apollodorus of Damascus: cover of a tortoise. Apollodorus ofDamascus: fire lit in a wall andfanned from a distance by bellows with a long nozzle. 20 Hero of Byzantium: assault tower. 21 Hero of :Byzantium: cover of a tortoise. 24 Villard de Honnecourt: hydraulic saw; 25 Villard de Honnecourt: pile saw. Villard de Honnecourt: screw-jack. , 26 Villard de Honnecourt: trebuchet. Villard de Honnecourt: mechanism of mobile angel.
    [Show full text]
  • Proquest Dissertations
    PANORAMA, POWER, AND HISTORY: VASARI AND STRADANO'S CITY VIEWS IN THE PALAZZO VECCHIO Pt.I by Ryan E. Gregg A dissertation submitted to Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Baltimore, Maryland May 2008 © 2008 Ryan E. Gregg AH Rights Reserved UMI Number: 3339721 Copyright 2008 by Gregg, Ryan E. All rights reserved. INFORMATION TO USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleed-through, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. ® UMI UMI Microform 3339721 Copyright 2009 by ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 E. Eisenhower Parkway PO Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Abstract Painted topographical views of cities and their environs appear throughout the mid-sixteenth-century fresco decorations of the Palazzo Vecchio. This project focuses primarily on the most extensive series, those in the Quartiere di Leone X. Giorgio Vasari and his assistant Giovanni Stradano painted the five rooms of this apartment between 1556 and 1561. The city views take one of three forms in each painting: as a setting for a historical scene, as the background of an allegory, or as the subject of the view itself.
    [Show full text]
  • A Plan of 1545 for the Fortification of Kelso Abbey | 269
    Proc Soc Antiq Scot 141 (2011), 269–278 A PLAN OF 1545 FOR THE FORTIFICATION OF KELSO ABBEY | 269 A plan of 1545 for the fortification of Kelso Abbey Richard Fawcett* ABSTRACT It has long been known from surviving correspondence that the Italian gunfounder Archangelo Arcano prepared two drawings illustrating proposals for the fortification of Kelso Abbey, following its capture by the English army under the leadership of the Earl of Hertford in 1545. It had been assumed those drawings had been lost. However, one of them has now been identified and is here published, together with a brief discussion of what it can tell us about the abbey in the mid-16th century. The purpose of this contribution is to bring to in fact, represent that abbey (Atherton 1995– wider attention a pre-Reformation plan that 6), though there was then no basis for offering had for long been thought to represent Burton- an alternative identification. on-Trent Benedictine Abbey, but that has It was Nicholas Cooper who established recently been identified by Nicholas Cooper the connection between the drawing and as a proposal of 1545 for fortifying Kelso’s a hitherto presumed lost proposal for the Tironensian Abbey. The plan in question fortification of Kelso, when he was working (RIBA 69226) was among a small number of on the architectural activities of William Paget papers deposited by the Marquess of Anglesey at Burton-on-Trent for a paper to be delivered with the Royal Institute of British Architects, to the Society of Antiquaries of London.2 whose collections are now absorbed into the Proposals for fortifying Kelso were known Drawings and Archives Collections of the to have been drawn by the Italian gunfounder Victoria and Albert Museum.
    [Show full text]
  • Fortification Renaissance: the Roman Origins of the Trace Italienne
    FORTIFICATION RENAISSANCE: THE ROMAN ORIGINS OF THE TRACE ITALIENNE Robert T. Vigus Thesis Prepared for the Degree of MASTER OF ARTS UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS May 2013 APPROVED: Guy Chet, Committee Co-Chair Christopher Fuhrmann, Committee Co-Chair Walter Roberts, Committee Member Richard B. McCaslin, Chair of the Department of History Mark Wardell, Dean of the Toulouse Graduate School Vigus, Robert T. Fortification Renaissance: The Roman Origins of the Trace Italienne. Master of Arts (History), May 2013, pp.71, 35 illustrations, bibliography, 67 titles. The Military Revolution thesis posited by Michael Roberts and expanded upon by Geoffrey Parker places the trace italienne style of fortification of the early modern period as something that is a novel creation, borne out of the minds of Renaissance geniuses. Research shows, however, that the key component of the trace italienne, the angled bastion, has its roots in Greek and Roman writing, and in extant constructions by Roman and Byzantine engineers. The angled bastion of the trace italienne was yet another aspect of the resurgent Greek and Roman culture characteristic of the Renaissance along with the traditions of medicine, mathematics, and science. The writings of the ancients were bolstered by physical examples located in important trading and pilgrimage routes. Furthermore, the geometric layout of the trace italienne stems from Ottoman fortifications that preceded it by at least two hundred years. The Renaissance geniuses combined ancient bastion designs with eastern geometry to match a burgeoning threat in the rising power of the siege cannon. Copyright 2013 by Robert T. Vigus ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis would not have been possible without the assistance and encouragement of many people.
    [Show full text]
  • Validation of a Parametric Approach for 3D Fortification Modelling: Application to Scale Models
    International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, Volume XL-5/W1, 2013 3D-ARCH 2013 - 3D Virtual Reconstruction and Visualization of Complex Architectures, 25 – 26 February 2013, Trento, Italy VALIDATION OF A PARAMETRIC APPROACH FOR 3D FORTIFICATION MODELLING: APPLICATION TO SCALE MODELS K. Jacquot, C. Chevrier, G. Halin MAP-Crai (UMR 3495 CNRSMCC), ENSA Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France (jacquot, chevrier, halin)@crai.archi.fr Commission V, WG V/4 KEY WORDS: architectural heritage, bastioned fortifications, parametric modelling, knowledge based, scale model, 3D surveys ABSTRACT: Parametric modelling approach applied to cultural heritage virtual representation is a field of research explored for years since it can address many limitations of digitising tools. For example, essential historical sources for fortification virtual reconstructions like plans-reliefs have several shortcomings when they are scanned. To overcome those problems, knowledge based-modelling can be used: knowledge models based on the analysis of theoretical literature of a specific domain such as bastioned fortification treatises can be the cornerstone of the creation of a parametric library of fortification components. Implemented in Grasshopper, these components are manually adjusted on the data available (i.e. 3D surveys of plans-reliefs or scanned maps). Most of the fortification area is now modelled and the question of accuracy assessment is raised. A specific method is used to evaluate the accuracy of the parametric components. The results of the assessment process will allow us to validate the parametric approach. The automation of the adjustment process can finally be planned. The virtual model of fortification is part of a larger project aimed at valorising and diffusing a very unique cultural heritage item: the collection of plans-reliefs.
    [Show full text]
  • Defending Scilly
    Defending Scilly 46992_Text.indd 1 21/1/11 11:56:39 46992_Text.indd 2 21/1/11 11:56:56 Defending Scilly Mark Bowden and Allan Brodie 46992_Text.indd 3 21/1/11 11:57:03 Front cover Published by English Heritage, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2GZ The incomplete Harry’s Walls of the www.english-heritage.org.uk early 1550s overlook the harbour and English Heritage is the Government’s statutory adviser on all aspects of the historic environment. St Mary’s Pool. In the distance on the © English Heritage 2011 hilltop is Star Castle with the earliest parts of the Garrison Walls on the Images (except as otherwise shown) © English Heritage.NMR hillside below. [DP085489] Maps on pages 95, 97 and the inside back cover are © Crown Copyright and database right 2011. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100019088. Inside front cover First published 2011 Woolpack Battery, the most heavily armed battery of the 1740s, commanded ISBN 978 1 84802 043 6 St Mary’s Sound. Its strategic location led to the installation of a Defence Product code 51530 Electric Light position in front of it in c 1900 and a pillbox was inserted into British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data the tip of the battery during the Second A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. World War. All rights reserved [NMR 26571/007] No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without Frontispiece permission in writing from the publisher.
    [Show full text]
  • The Shape of France Gardens, Fortifications, and Modern Urban1sm
    10 THE SHAPE OF FRANCE GARDENS, FORTIFICATIONS, AND MODERN URBAN1SM N THE LAST CHAPTER, I discussed the than one occasion that he would be glad word pourtraiture as it was employed in to receive it from him, but that gift was > the garden treatises of the seventeenth never made. Perhaps Louis wanted it so century and suggested that, through the much precisely because it embodied what methodical adjustment of geometry to he, despite his gloire, had never really ex­ scale that it was intended to describe, gar­ perienced firsthand: direct military vic­ den architects did draw, in fact, a "por­ tory, its special release and incomparable trait" of the.order of the world upon its satisfactions. As a field commander, Louis surface. At the same time, the word pour­ was never quite able to close with the traiture may be thought to enemy. The one chance he have a double meaning, had to do so he let slip since each of the gardens through his fingers. Unlike was intended to portray the the Due d'Enghien, who character of its client and to won his victory at Rocroi embody his own intentions. through reckless personal At Vaux, it was clearly the daring, Louis, despite his will of Fouquet as an indi­ often-demonstrated physi­ vidual that was portrayed cal courage, was never quite and embodied in landscape. able to let himself go in that At Versailles, it was the 416. Mont-Louis, France. Fortifications. way. So all his victories realm of Louis XIV, his Vauban. Air view. were in a sense secondhand.
    [Show full text]
  • The Aesthetics of Islamic Architecture & the Exuberance of Mamluk Design
    The Aesthetics of Islamic Architecture & The Exuberance of Mamluk Design Tarek A. El-Akkad Dipòsit Legal: B. 17657-2013 ADVERTIMENT. La consulta d’aquesta tesi queda condicionada a l’acceptació de les següents condicions d'ús: La difusió d’aquesta tesi per mitjà del servei TDX (www.tesisenxarxa.net) ha estat autoritzada pels titulars dels drets de propietat intel·lectual únicament per a usos privats emmarcats en activitats d’investigació i docència. No s’autoritza la seva reproducció amb finalitats de lucre ni la seva difusió i posada a disposició des d’un lloc aliè al servei TDX. No s’autoritza la presentació del s eu contingut en una finestra o marc aliè a TDX (framing). Aquesta reserva de drets afecta tant al resum de presentació de la tesi com als seus continguts. En la utilització o cita de parts de la tesi és obligat indicar el nom de la persona autora. ADVERTENCIA. La consulta de esta tesis queda condicionada a la aceptación de las siguientes condiciones de uso: La difusión de esta tesis por medio del servicio TDR (www.tesisenred.net) ha sido autorizada por los titulares de los derechos de propiedad intelectual únicamente para usos privados enmarcados en actividades de investigación y docencia. No se autoriza su reproducción con finalidades de lucro ni su difusión y puesta a disposición desde un sitio ajeno al servicio TDR. No se autoriza la presentación de su contenido en una ventana o marco ajeno a TDR (framing). Esta reserva de derechos afecta tanto al resumen de presentación de la tesis como a sus contenidos.
    [Show full text]
  • Historic Architectural Resources Survey of the Upper Peninsula Charleston, South Carolina
    A Historic Architectural Resources Survey of the Upper Peninsula Charleston, South Carolina Final Report Prepared for City of Charleston Design, Development and Preservation Department Charleston, South Carolina Prepared by John Beaty Architectural Historian and Ralph Bailey Principal Investigator Brockington and Associates, Inc. Atlanta Charleston Raleigh January 2004 Acknowledgments In completing this survey of the Upper Peninsula, we were fortunate to have the help of many people. Lissa Felzer with the City of Charleston Design, Development, and Preservation Department provided a great deal of logistical support and a constant supply of useful questions and encouragement. Eddie Bello and Yvonne Fortenberry, also with the Design, Development, and Preservation Department, provided insight, information, and public meeting support. Greg Felzer provided the boat and piloting skills. Finally, the staff at the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, including Brad Sauls, was very helpful and accommodating. The activity that is the subject of this report has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, US Department of the Interior. However, the contents and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the US Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age in its federally assisted programs. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Office of Equal Opportunity, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20240.
    [Show full text]
  • Records of the 4Th International Coilloquy on Military History
    COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'HISTOIRE MILITAIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF MILITARY HISTORY INTERNATIONALE KOMMISSION FUR MILITARGESCHICHTE ACTA No. 4 OTTAWA 23-25 VIII 1978 Actes du 4e Colloque International d'Histoire Militaire Records of the 4th International Colloquy on Military History Verhandlungen der 4 Internationalen Tagung für Militärgeschichte Ottawa 1979 OTTAWA OTTAWA 23-25 VIII 1978 Published with the support of the Department of National Defence of Canada Publié avec le concours du Ministère de la Défense nationale du Canada Herausgegeben mit Mitwirkung des Kanadische Ministeriums des Verteidigung COMMISSION INTERNATIONALE D'HISTOIRE MILITAIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMISSION OF MILITARY HISTORY INTERNATIONALE KOMMISSION FUR MILITARGESCHICHTE ACTA No. 4 OTTAWA 23.25 VIII 1978 Actes du 4e Colloque International d'Histoire Militaire Records of the 4th International Colloquy on Military History Verhandlungen der 4 Internationalen Tagung für Militärgeschichte Ottawa 1979 OTTAWA TABLES DES MATIÈRES INHALTSVERZEICHNIS CONTENTS Page Introduction by Dr. W.A.B. Douglas, Director of History, Department of National Defence, and chairman, Program Committee i Welcome to delegates by His Excellency, the Hon. Jules Leger, Governor General of Canada xiv Opening Remarks by Admiral R.H. Falls, Chief of the Defence Staff xvi PLENARY SESSION: S.F. Wise, The Employment of Indians during the American Revolution: British Military Attitudes 1 J. Shy, Armed Force in Colonial North America: New Spain, New France and Anglo-America 10 J. Vidalenc, La France et le bloc africain, 1830-1934 27 WORKSHOPS: B.F. Cooling, Imperial Echoes, 1492-1776: A New Look at the Roles of Armed Forces in Colonial America 42 R. Higham, Military Frontiersmanship: A Hypothesis from the point of view of the Encroacher 53 Shu Kohno, A Study of the Creation, Development and Characteristics of the Chinese Red Army - An Example of a Liberation Army Created in a Semi-Colony 62 F.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary of Terms
    www.nysmm.org Glossary of Terms Some definitions have links to images. ABATIS: Barricade of felled trees with their branches towards the attack and sharpened (primitive version of "barbed wire"). ARROW SLITS: Narrow openings in a wall through which defenders can fire arrows. (also called loopholes) ARTILLERY: An excellent GLOSSARY for Civil War era (and other) Artillery terminologies can be found at civilwarartillery.com/main.htm (Link will open new window.) BAILEY: The walled enclosure or the outer courtyard of a castle. (Ward, Parade) BANQUETTE: The step of earth within the parapet, sufficiently high to enable standing defenders to fire over the crest of the parapet with ease. BARBICAN: Outworks, especially in front of a gate. A heavily fortified gate or tower. BARTIZAN (BARTISAN): Scottish term, projecting corner turret. A small overhanging turret on a tower s battlement. BASTION: A projection from a fortification arranged to give a wider range of fire or to allow firing along the main walls. Usually at the intersection of two walls. BATTER: Inclined face of a wall (Talus). BATTERED: May be used to describe crenellations. BATTERY: A section of guns, a named part of the main fortifications or a separate outer works position (e.g.. North Battery, Water Battery). BATTLEMENTS: The notched top (crenellated parapet) of a defensive wall, with open spaces (crenels) for firing weapons. BEAKED PROJECTION: see EN BEC. BELVEDERE: A pavilion or raised turret. BLOCKHOUSE: Usually a two story wood building with an overhanging second floor and rifle loops and could also have cannon ports (embrasures). Some three story versions. Some with corner projections similar to bastions.
    [Show full text]
  • Edinburgh Castle – Gatehouse, Inner Barrier, Old Guardhouse
    Property in Care (PIC) no :PIC222 Designations: Listed Building (LB48218) Taken into State care: 1906 (Ownership) Last reviewed: 2012 HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE EDINBURGH CASTLE – GATEHOUSE, INNER BARRIER, OLD GUARDHOUSE We continually revise our Statements of Significance, so they may vary in length, format and level of detail. While every effort is made to keep them up to date, they should not be considered a definitive or final assessment of our properties. Historic Environment Scotland – Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Principal Office: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH EDINBURGH CASTLE – GATEHOUSE, INNER BARRIER AND OLD GUARDHOUSE BRIEF DESCRIPTION The present Gatehouse, built in 1886–88, is the latest in a series of main entrances into the castle. Replacing a far simpler gate, the Victorian structure was seen as a bold intervention at the time. It is surrounded by a number of lesser constructions; the oldest, including the Inner Barrier, date from the later 17th century, and the latest, the ticket office, was constructed as recently as 2008. Archaeological investigations in the area in 1989, in advance of creating the vehicle tunnel through the castle rock, uncovered evidence for two massive Iron Age ditches in the area. CHARACTER OF THE MONUMENT Historical Overview Late 1st millennium BC: Two massive ditches are dug on the east side of the castle rock, presumably as part of a scheme to upgrade the defences of the prehistoric fort. The ditches are still serving a defensive function into the 14th century. 1649/50: The ‘forte of the castell hill’, or Spur, built in 1548 on the site of the present Esplanade, is dismantled and removed.
    [Show full text]