moats

A moat is a trench surrounding a fortified building or settlement, typically filled with water, though some moats are dry. The primary purpose is defense: to impede attackers, prevent tunneling, and slow down assaulting forces while defenders observe from walls or towers.

Historically moats were a major feature of medieval castles in Europe and parts of Asia and the Middle East. Water-filled moats created an additional obstacle and could provide a source of water for defense during a siege, while also complicating sapping and mining. Dry moats served a similar deterrence without a water supply, relying on a physical barrier and visibility from the walls.

Construction and operation: A moat encircles the structure with an earthen or stone rim. In water-filled variants, water is supplied by nearby rivers, canals, or an artificial channel. Bridges, typically drawbridges, provide access and can be retracted or guarded. Sluice gates and embankments regulate water level and overflow. The moat also offered an early warning feature, as attackers approaching the walls could be observed from higher ground.

Variants and modern use: Some moats are created for drainage or landscaping rather than defense; many historic moats survive as features in preserved castles and estates. In modern settings, decorative moats and water features imitate a defensive moat for aesthetic purposes. In some fortified areas, moats may still act as barriers, though contemporary fortifications rely on different protections.

The concept of a moat has extended into landscaping and cultural imagination, where the presence of water around a building signals prestige and historic character.