Small fortified retains meant as watch towers have been important all through historical past for protection and surveillance. These constructions, typically product of stone or wooden, have been constructed on excessive floor to offer a commanding view of the encompassing space. They have been usually geared up with arrow slits or different openings to permit defenders to fireplace upon attackers. Some retains additionally had provisions for storing meals and water, permitting them to face up to a siege.
Watch towers have performed a significant function in lots of historic occasions. For instance, they have been utilized by the Romans to protect their frontiers and by the Chinese language to guard their cities from invaders. In medieval Europe, retains have been typically constructed as a part of castles, offering a final line of protection towards attackers. At this time, watch towers are nonetheless utilized in some components of the world, though they’ve been largely changed by extra fashionable surveillance know-how.