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Roman Forts
Facts, Description, Design of Roman Forts
Roman building and their
architecture was often rigid - the
design of their forts and stockades
were tried and tested and always
followed the same architectural
design.
The fort
built by the Romans featured and was built and included the
following elements. Facts about Roman Forts:
Fact 1: A strategic site was always
chosen to build the fort
Fact 2: A fort could hold up to 800
soldiers
Fact 3: The fort was rectangular in
shape
Fact 4: It was surrounded by a wide
ditch
Fact 5: A stockade was erected on top
of the ditch which formed a defensive barrier made of timber posts
Fact 6: A rampart was built using the
earth from the ditch, together with heavy stones
Fact 7: Each fort had four stone
gateways affording an entrance on each side
Fact 8: Watchtowers were also featured
reaching a height of 30 feet (9 metres)
Fact 9:
Design dictated that two main
streets always crossed the fort
Fact 10: Wooden structures were built
serving consisting of:
*** Commanders headquarters *** houses *** hospital *** workshops *** barracks (sometimes tents) *** granaries *** stables *** a prison
Fact 11: There was even a Fire Brigade
within the fort
Prefabricated Roman Forts
Some
Roman forts were even pre-fabricated. The continuous construction
of forts and stockade, led to the development of
pre-fabricated materials and standard parts. Timbers were
cut to specific sizes. Grooves were pre-cut ready for fast
construction and the blacksmiths produced iron nails in all
different shapes and sizes. The prefabricated Roman forts
allowed the Romans to erect their bases with unbelievable
speed.
Stone Roman Forts
Some of the wooden forts built by the Romans were later
replaced with stone buildings. Stone Roman forts and
buildings featured one of their great inventions - concrete.
Concrete was made by mixing a strong volcanic material
(called pazzolana) with rubble and a mixture of lime.
Roman Forts
The content of this Roman
Forts article in the architecture section provides free educational
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