Expert: Cary Simmons - 9/15/2011

Question
Dear Cary

Forts are Great Structures for Study from Architectural Point of view. Primarily Built for Defense in Ancient History.

Reference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortification

Would like to know more regarding the materials used for constructing the fort in terms of Different types of Rocks, sand,stones used, designing part (where Ammunition is kept),underground tunnel for runaway, and typically how much time, manpower,tools required for construction etc ?

Awaiting your inputs, views for the same.

Thanks & Regards,
Prashant S Akerkar

Answer
Prashant:

Forts are indeed very intriguing undertakings, but vary so greatly as to defy generalization.  And so few actually withstood the ultimate assault.

They defy generalization due to the imperatives that brought each into being.  Some had to be built in great haste, some with very limited materials, manpower or land.  Many were built slowly but to intimidate, often the citizens they purported to protect.  Others relied on siting on peaks or with a watercourse for natural protection.  Some were built and rebuilt over may years.  The simplest were little more than entrenchments or rammed-earth and do not survive to be studied.  I suggest concentrating your enthusiasm on just a few and digging deeply into their details, such as the fortification of Constantinople, which is well-documented and evolved over the rule of several sovereigns, or Carcassone which remains largely intact, or either Louisburg or Ticonderoga which were both beautiful but fatally flawed.  For simple building materials, the medieval fortifications of North Africa provide insight into an uncommon marriage of style and effectiveness.

Enjoy your study.