Greece - Late Medieval Bastioned Fortifications in Greece

Corfu Ionian islands Corfu 19.928385 E, 39.624538 N Zakynthos Ionian islands Zakynthos 20.891944 E, 37.789444 N Koroni Peloponnese Messinia 21.961826 E, 36.794382 N Methoni Peloponnese Messinia 21.700 E, 36.8150 N Bourtzi- Palamidi- Akronafplia Peloponnese Argolis 22.790586 E, 37.569689 N 22.804472 E, 37.561486 N 22.795028 E, 37.563869 N Heraklion Crete Heraklion 25.136743 E, 35.344548 N Chania Crete Chania 24.013659 E, 35.518245 N Rhodes South Aegean Rhodes 28.2270 E, 36.4450 N Mytilini North Aegean Lesbos 26.561829 E, 39.110116 N With the appearance and establishment, in the 15th century, of the use of gunpowder, a new, powerful and destructive means of warfare, city fortification practices changed. Since medieval fortifications were unable to withstand the constantly increasing artillery power, additional defensive structures began to be added to existing fortresses. This change was completed in the 16th century, establishing the “bastion system” or “fronte bastionato”, based on the principle of “flanking fire”. In the 17th century, the need to confront even greater artillery firepower led to the construction of a multitude of smaller fortifications outside the main moat, whose aim was to keep the enemy as far away as possible from the main fortifications. Finally, up to the end of the 18th century, fortification architecture would continue to be based on the principles of the 16th century, while of course following the development of artillery. This development is documented by a series of fortifications on Greek territory.