maru-umadashi　丸馬出

KEY WORD :　architecture / castles

A type of defensive gateway barrier *umadashi 馬出 consisting of a semi-circular earthen embankment *doi 土居 or semi-circular wall in front of a main castle gate *koguchi 虎口. The barrier served to protect the gate from enemy attack and to enhance the safety of entering and departing castle forces. Used extensively in Takeda 武田 clan medieval castles and in early modern castles influenced by the Takeda in the Kantou 関東 region and central Japan. A moat dug in a curved shape around the outside of the maru-umadashi is known as mikazukibori 三日月堀.

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