Fouques

Fouques is a term that can refer to several things, primarily a surname and a type of medieval fortification.

As a surname, Fouques is of French origin, often derived from the given name Fulk, which itself comes from Germanic elements meaning "people" and "ruler" or "king." Variations of this surname can be found across France and in other countries with French historical influence. Prominent individuals bearing the name have contributed to various fields throughout history.

In the context of medieval architecture, a fougue (or sometimes fouques) could refer to a type of defensive structure, though this usage is less common and can be ambiguous. It is sometimes used interchangeably with terms like bastion, barbican, or advanced work, indicating an outlying or reinforced defensive position designed to protect a larger fortification. These structures were typically built to provide additional layers of defense, particularly against siege warfare, and often incorporated features like crenellations, arrow slits, and elevated platforms for archers or artillery. The precise definition and prevalence of "fougue" in this architectural sense can vary depending on historical period and regional terminology.