Gord (Fortification)

By Crusader1307

Seen mostly in Northern European Countries, Gords, were the beginnings of the “Fortified City”. Constructed mostly of reinforced wood, they were groupings of wooden homes arranged in circles or rows. They were surrounded by either single or multiple wooded walls for defense. Hollow trenches and ditches were sometimes constructed between the walls (and outside as well). In some cases, Gords were constructed on small hills and mound (it is even speculated that even these were man-made). Collections of Gords could be constructed (as Villages grew) – and be connected (to create and even larger and stronger defense system. Also, the rudimentary first form of a Defensive Tower (also wooden) were experimented with by being placed in central locations of The Gord.