Tiililinnakkeet

Tiililinnakkeet, or brick fortifications, refer to defensive structures constructed primarily from brick. These types of fortifications saw widespread use in Europe and parts of Asia, particularly from the late medieval period onwards. The development of gunpowder artillery made traditional stone castles increasingly vulnerable, leading to innovations in fortification design. Brick offered a more consistent and uniform material compared to many natural stones, allowing for more precisely engineered defenses.

Early brick fortifications often built upon existing castle designs, but the material allowed for thinner, taller walls and more complex geometries designed to deflect cannonballs. Innovations included angled bastions, casemates, and layered defenses. The durability and relatively widespread availability of brick in many regions made it a practical choice for building extensive defenses. Cities and strategic locations were often encircled by formidable brick ramparts and towers. The construction of these tiililinnakkeet required significant labor and resources, representing a substantial investment by states and cities. Their effectiveness lay in their ability to withstand artillery bombardment better than earlier stone structures and to provide effective platforms for deploying their own artillery. Over time, as artillery technology advanced further, even brick fortifications eventually gave way to more sophisticated earthworks and star forts.