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A strongly fortified stronghold within or above a city, which can continue resisting even if the rest of the city falls.

A fortified stronghold within or overlooking a city.

Around 540 BC, Polycrates and his brothers, Pantagnotus and Syloson, seized power in a coup. They had support from citizens wealthy enough to equip themselves with armour and weapons, and captured the citadel. Control of this fortified stronghold gave them an important military advantage within the city.

A fortified stronghold within or adjoining a town, which can remain in enemy hands even when the surrounding town is captured.

Distinguish the capture of the lower city on 3 June 1098 from control of the citadel: the citadel remained in Muslim hands.

Distinguish the capture of most of Antioch on 3 June from the defeat of Kerbogha on 28 June and the citadel’s surrender on 29 June.

High walls enclosed a sprawling city, while the Orontes River and marshes protected one side and mountainous terrain protected others. Its citadel stood roughly 300 metres above the lower city. Attackers therefore faced not just walls, but difficult approaches and defenders positioned high above them.

A strongly fortified stronghold within or above a city, capable of continuing resistance after other parts have fallen.

A strongly fortified position within or above a city, which can continue to resist even after the rest of the city has fallen.

Citadel

Definition

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OCR GCSE Ancient History · J198

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OCR GCSE History B · J411