Fortification, General Definition

In its most general sense a fortification was considered to be any natural or artificial feature of the terrain that could be used to enhance the defensive strength of an armed force. Natural fortifications included such features as woods, marshes, water-courses, hills, and mountain ranges that could be used to cover an army's front and protect its flanks or rear as it maneuvered or assumed a position to prepare for battle. Artificial fortifications consisted of constructed or adapted features that either improved the defensive strength of natural fortifications or supplied this strength where no natural fortifications previously existed. Artificial fortifications were divided into two categories, permanent fortifications and temporary fortifications, according to the durability of materials used in their construction and the strategic importance of their positions. Permanent fortifications were generally sited in positions of lasting strategic value and were constructed using durable materials (brick and stone) capable of resisting the destructive effects of weather for many years. Temporary fortifications were constructed using perishable, but readily available, materials (wood and earth) to defend positions of temporary strategic or tactical importance.

January, 2004