Things people “know” about star forts

Myth Star forts were star-shaped just to look good.

Fact The bastioned system used a geometric layout of ramparts that got rid of blind spots, with the bastion replacing the medieval tower. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification The size and shape of bastions were worked out from how far the defenders’ guns could fire. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification

Myth Star forts relied on tall walls.

Fact A bastioned fort’s strength came not from tall walls but from the thickness of the earth piled up behind them. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification Unlike medieval high, thick walls, the bastioned system drove defences down into the ground, making them less fragile. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: Bastioned fortifications

Myth Vauban invented the bastion.

Fact After metal cannonballs came into general use at the end of the 15th century, Italian engineers designed a new kind of defence: the bastioned system. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification Vauban built on the ideas of an earlier engineer, Blaise de Pagan. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: glossary, Three systems

Myth Vauban wrote down three fixed systems.

Fact Vauban’s ideas were only described as “three systems” after his death; for him, fitting the land, common sense and experience were what counted. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification Vauban refused to write a treatise (a rule book) on fortification, because each site needed its own design. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification

Myth Star forts were solid stone all the way through.

Fact The ramparts were huge earth banks held up by walls, strong enough to take cannonballs and to carry many cannons. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: History of the bastioned fortification A bastion was called “solid” when it was completely filled with earth from the rampart. Network of Vauban’s Major Sites: glossary, Bastion Fort McHenry’s walls and buildings were made of brick. US National Park Service: The Star Fort (Fort McHenry)

Myth Star forts were only built in Europe.

Fact Fort McHenry in Baltimore is shaped like a five-pointed star. US National Park Service: The Star Fort (Fort McHenry) Goryokaku was the first Western-style fort in Japan, completed in 1864. Japan National Tourism Organization: Goryokaku Fort

Myth Every star fort fought off a famous siege.

Fact Tilbury’s defences were never tested by any enemy. English Heritage: History of Tilbury Fort Fort George never fired a shot in anger. Historic Environment Scotland: Fort George, history

Myth Bourtange fell to the Bishop of Münster.

Fact The Bishop of Münster pushed through to Winschoten in 1665 but failed to capture Bourtange. Fortress Bourtange: History of Bourtange Bourtange is known as the fort that was never taken. Visit Groningen: Fort Bourtange

Myth Cannonballs smashed every wall they hit.

Fact Cannonballs fired at the coquina walls burrowed in and stuck, instead of shattering the wall. US National Park Service: Castillo de San Marcos, construction

Myth All star forts were left empty long ago.

Fact Fort George is still an army base, home of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland. Historic Environment Scotland: Fort George, history · checked 3 Nov 2026