Redans

Redan is the name given in military architecture to a projecting outwork formed by two faces that converge to a forward vertex, creating a salient angle. Typically built of earth or masonry, a redan is designed to cover an approach with enfilading fire from the two faces while maintaining a protected rear connection to the main fortress via a covered way. The front profile is often V-shaped or arrowhead-like, allowing defenders to fire along two flanks while minimizing exposure.

The term is French in origin and was widely used from the 17th century in European fortification practice, particularly in the works of military engineers such as Vauban. Redans served as inexpensive, quickly constructed forward works to strengthen specific approaches and to compel attackers to expose themselves to fire. They could be integrated into a line of fortifications or deployed as standalone outworks.

Notable usage and legacy: The phrase gained prominence in discussions of 19th-century warfare, including the Crimean War, where a redan at Sevastopol became a well-known symbol of assault on fortified positions. The concept influenced fortification theory beyond its classical Vauban-era form, and the term is still used in historical descriptions to describe similar forward outworks, even when they do not adhere to the exact Vauban design.

See also: Bastion, Lunette, Hornwork, Fortification design.