merlon
Fortification's solid upright
A merlon is one of the solid upright sections of a battlement, alternating with the gaps (crenels or embrasures) through which defenders could shoot.
The distinctive tooth-like silhouette of castle walls comes from this alternation: Archers ducked behind the merlons to reload.
Notched parapet pattern
- embrasureFortified wall opening
- parapetLow wall at edge
- loopholeExploitable gap in rules
- arrow slitNarrow defensive shooting gap
curtain wall · turret · rampart · fortification · bastion · breastwork · bulwark · watchtower
Protection against harm
- coverProtect by overlaying
- protectionGuarding against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
- arrow slitNarrow defensive shooting gap
loophole · crossbow · longbow · archer · defender · besieged · assault · bombardment
Retain or fortified tower
- towerTall slender edifice
- gatehouseStructure over an entrance
- barbicanOuter defensive tower
- baileyCastle's enclosed courtyard
drawbridge · moat · portcullis · donjon · sally port · curtain wall · palisade · stronghold
Land-for-service social structure
- chivalryKnightly code of honor
- knightHonored mounted soldier
- heraldryStudy of armorial bearings
- crusadesAggressive advocacy campaigns
Norman · Romanesque · castellan · stonemason · warfare · armor · siege warfare · conquest
crenellation
Notched parapet pattern
arrow slit · curtain wall · turret · rampart · fortification · bastion · breastwork · bulwark · watchtower · guardhouse
defense
Protection against harm
- coverProtect by overlaying
- protectionGuarding against harm
- shieldHandheld defensive armor
arrow slit · loophole · crossbow · longbow · archer · defender · besieged · assault · bombardment · catapult
keep
Retain or fortified tower
bailey · drawbridge · moat · portcullis · donjon · sally port · curtain wall · palisade · stronghold · citadel
feudalism
Land-for-service social structure
crusades · Norman · Romanesque · castellan · stonemason · warfare · armor · siege warfare · conquest · fortified