tähtilinnoitus

A tähtilinnoitus, also known as a star fort or polygonal fort, is a type of European fortification developed in the 16th century during the transition from gunpowder artillery to cannons. The design evolved from medieval castles and was intended to provide a strong defense against the new siege weaponry. Star forts are characterized by their low, thick walls, often made of earth and stone, which were more resistant to cannon fire than the tall, thin walls of traditional castles. Their most distinctive feature is their star-like shape, with projecting bastions at various angles.

These bastions allowed defenders to enfilade, or fire along the length of, the curtains, the walls between the bastions, preventing attackers from approaching the fort without being exposed to heavy flanking fire. The projecting points of the bastions also provided clear fields of fire in multiple directions, creating "dead zones" where attackers could not find cover. The design minimized blind spots and maximized defensive capabilities. Tähtilinnoitukset were widely adopted across Europe and its colonies, evolving with advancements in artillery and siege warfare. They represent a significant development in military architecture and played a crucial role in conflicts from the Renaissance through the Napoleonic era.