What is a parapet of a castle?
A parapet is a low wall projecting from the edge of a platform, terrace, or roof. Parapets may rise above the cornice of a building or form the upper portion of a defensive wall on a castle.
Where is the parapet on a medieval castle?
Parapet – Low wall on top of and outside the main wall, which protected the wall-walk. Most Parapets had merlons and crenels along the tops to form crenallations which allowed archers to shoot arrows while still being protected behind the castle walls.
What is a battlement for a roof?
battlement, the parapet of a wall consisting of alternating low portions known as crenels, or crenelles (hence crenellated walls with battlements), and high portions called merlons.
What is the difference between a parapet and battlement?
is that parapet is a low retaining wall while battlement is in fortification: an indented parapet, formed by a series of rising members called cops or merlons, separated by openings called crenelles or embrasures, the soldier sheltering himself behind the merlon while he fires through the embrasure or through a …
What are the sides of a castle called?
Inner Ward – The open area in the center of a castle. Jamb – Side posts of arch, door, or window. Keep – A strong stone tower; main tower; donjon; stronghold. Keystone – Central wedge in top of arch.
Why do buildings have parapets?
Parapets were originally used to defend buildings from military attack, but today they are primarily used as guard rails, to conceal rooftop equipment, reduce wind loads on the roof, and to prevent the spread of fires.
What is the entrance of a castle called?
A portcullis (from Old French porte coleice, “sliding gate”) is a heavy vertically-closing gate typically found in medieval fortifications, consisting of a latticed grille made of wood, metal, or a combination of the two, which slides down grooves inset within each jamb of the gateway.
What are the bumps on top of a castle called?
The top of the castle walls were the battlements, a protective, tooth shaped parapet often with a wall walk behind it for the soldiers to stand on. The defenders could fire missiles through gaps (crenels). The raised sections between, called merlons, helped to shelter the defenders during an enemy attack.
What is the pattern on top of a castle called?
Lesson Summary. In architecture, a battlement is a structure on top of castle or fortress walls that protects from attack. Historically, battlements were usually narrow walls at the top of the outermost walls of a castle. Battlements have several important parts.
What are the walls of a castle called?
In medieval castles, the area surrounded by a curtain wall, with or without towers, is known as the bailey. The outermost walls with their integrated bastions and wall towers together make up the enceinte or main defensive line enclosing the site.
Whats a battlement in a castle?
Definition of battlement : a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration.