Barbican
From Free net encyclopedia
Barbican (from mediæval Latin barbecana) - a fortified outpost or gateway, such as an outer defence to a city or castle and any tower situated over a gate or bridge which was used for defence purposes. Usually barbicans were situated outside the main line of defences and connected to the city walls with a walled road called the neck.
In 15th century, with the improvement in siege tactics and artillery, barbicans lost their significance. However, several barbicans were built even in 16th century.
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Barbicans remaining today
There are barbicans still preserved in:
- Czech Republic
- Germany
- Hungary
- Lithuania
- Ireland
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Switzerland
- Hardturm, Zurich
- United Kingdom
There is also the Barbican Estate and Barbican Arts Centre, both in London.
The Barbican is also the name of the historic harbour area in Plymouth, England.
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