CITY MOAT Meaning and
Definition
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A city moat is a defensive feature typically found surrounding ancient or medieval cities and fortifications. It is a large, deep trench or ditch filled with water, encircling the outer perimeter of a city's walls. The purpose of a city moat was to create an additional barrier of protection against potential attackers, acting as a physical obstacle that hindered their advancement and provided a strategic advantage to the defending forces.
The construction of a city moat required extensive planning and engineering. It was usually dug outside the city walls, with the excavated soil forming a raised embankment known as a rampart. The water in the moat was either sourced from nearby rivers or diverted into it through channels or aqueducts. In some instances, moats were also filled with defensive obstacles, such as spikes, rocks, or anti-personnel traps. The moat's depth and width varied depending on the specific requirements and topography of the area.
City moats served multiple purposes. They effectively prevented attackers from getting too close to the walls, acting as a deterrent and forcing them to rely on complex siege strategies. They also impeded the use of siege engines, such as battering rams or siege towers, as well as undermining tactics. Beyond their defensive role, moats also functioned as a means of controlling access to the city, with drawbridges allowing authorized individuals to cross the water barrier.
Although moats have become less widespread in modern times due to the advancement of military technology, they remain an important historical symbol of fortification and urban defense.
Common Misspellings for CITY MOAT
- xity moat
- vity moat
- fity moat
- dity moat
- cuty moat
- cjty moat
- ckty moat
- coty moat
- c9ty moat
- c8ty moat
- ciry moat
- cify moat
- cigy moat
- ciyy moat
- ci6y moat
- ci5y moat
- citt moat
- citg moat
- cith moat
- citu moat
Etymology of CITY MOAT
The word "city" comes from the Old French word "cité", which in turn derives from the Latin word "civitas", meaning "citizenship" or "city". The term "moat" comes from the Middle English word "mote", which comes from Old English "mōt", meaning "ditch" or "trench". The Old English word is believed to have Germanic origins. In combination, "city moat" refers to the defensive trench or ditch surrounding a city or fortress.
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