Stronghold

A stronghold is a fortified place built to resist attacks and shelter defenders, supplies, and leadership. It can take the form of a castle, fortress, citadel, or walled settlement, and its location—often on high ground, at a chokepoint, or near water—enhances defensibility.

Historically, strongholds anchored military strategy and governance. They served as bases during sieges, refuges for civilians, and symbols of authority. Typical features included thick stone walls, towers for observation and archery, secure gates, and storerooms for food, water, arms, and equipment. Fortifications evolved from wooden palisades to masonry, with battlements, moats, gatehouses, and later artillery-ready designs.

In warfare, control of a stronghold could disrupt enemy logistics and supply lines. The design and technology of fortifications changed with centuries, from medieval keeps and curtain walls to early modern casemates and bastions, and to later artillery fortifications. Many strongholds persist today as archaeological sites, museums, or cultural landmarks.

In modern usage, stronghold can denote a secure base of operations or a dominant position in politics, business, or social spheres, as well as a literal fortress protected by the state.

In popular culture, Stronghold is the title of a real-time strategy video game released in 2001 by Firefly Studios, with sequels including Stronghold Crusader and Stronghold 2.