barbacane

A barbican is a fortified outpost or gateway, typically a medieval defense structure built in front of a larger fortification. Its primary purpose was to protect the main entrance or gate, acting as an advanced line of defense. Barbicans were often constructed as independent structures, connected to the main castle or town walls by a covered walkway or bridge, or sometimes as an integral part of the gatehouse itself.

These structures could take various forms, from simple projecting towers to complex multi-story buildings with their own walls, moats, and defensive features. They were designed to allow defenders to engage approaching enemies at a distance, preventing them from reaching the main gate directly. Features such as crenellations, arrow slits, murder holes, and flanking towers were common to provide defensive advantages. The strategic placement of a barbican could significantly increase the time and resources required for an attacker to breach the defenses, giving the defenders valuable time to prepare or reinforce. Many surviving examples of barbacans can be found in medieval castles and fortified cities across Europe and the Middle East.