barbakans

A barbican is a fortified outpost or gateway, typically to a castle or a town. It is usually a stone structure that projects out from the main curtain wall, providing an additional defensive layer. These structures were designed to defend the main entrance and to provide cover for defenders attacking an enemy who had breached the outer defenses. Barbicans often featured murder holes, arrow slits, and other defensive mechanisms.

Historically, barbicans served a crucial role in medieval siege warfare. They were strategically placed to create a kill zone, forcing attackers into a confined space where they could be easily targeted. The design of a barbican often included a narrow passage with flanking walls and defensive openings, making it difficult for attackers to advance. Some barbicans were elaborate structures with their own moats, drawbridges, and turrets.

Examples of well-preserved barbicans can be found in many historic European castles and city walls. The Tower of London features a notable barbican, as does the city of Carcassonne in France. The purpose was to extend the defensive perimeter and to create a more challenging approach to the main fortifications. Over time, as warfare evolved, the military significance of barbicans diminished, but they remain important architectural and historical features.