Fortification

Walls, ramps, and towers built to protect a town from attacks or sieges.

A relief showing the weapons used in attacking and defending a city
A relief showing the weapons used in attacking and defending a city (ChrisO, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) Siege instruments

About Fortification

A fort is a strong building or place designed for defense. A fortification is any structure built to protect a place from attack. In ancient times, cities were protected by walls, strong central fortresses (called citadels), and sometimes deep water-filled ditches (called moats).

Fortifications followed the natural landscape of the area encircling a city. Early city defenses were simple. They were made by piling earth against the walls and outer structures. This made it hard for enemy forces to approach and enter the city. When building a city, people looked for places that were naturally easy to defend. They preferred high places like steep hills or isolated areas that provided natural protection.

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The object itself Article

Form, use in ancient daily life, and how translators render the term.

Key References

2 Chronicles 11:10

Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin.

2 Chronicles 12:4

He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

Habakkuk 2:1

I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

All Scripture References (13)

2 Chronicles (8)
2 Chronicles 8:5

He rebuilt Upper and Lower Beth-horon as fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars,

2 Chronicles 11:5

Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah.

2 Chronicles 11:10

Zorah, Aijalon, and Hebron, the fortified cities in Judah and Benjamin.

2 Chronicles 11:11

He strengthened their fortifications and put officers in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine.

2 Chronicles 11:23

Rehoboam also acted wisely by dispersing some of his sons throughout the districts of Judah and Benjamin, and to all the fortified cities. He gave them abundant provisions and sought many wives for them.

2 Chronicles 12:4

He captured the fortified cities of Judah and came as far as Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 14:5

He also removed the high places and incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and under him the kingdom was at peace.

2 Chronicles 21:3

Their father had given them many gifts of silver and gold and precious things, as well as the fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram because he was the firstborn.

Psalms (2)
Psalm 31:22

In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.

Psalm 60:11

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.

Nahum (1)
Nahum 2:2

For the LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and ruined the branches of their vine.

Habakkuk (1)
Habakkuk 2:1

I will stand at my guard post and station myself on the ramparts. I will watch to see what He will say to me, and how I should answer when corrected.

Zechariah (1)
Zechariah 9:3

Tyre has built herself a fortress; she has heaped up silver like dust, and gold like the dirt of the streets.