Ancient Fortress

The ancient fortress is an empire’s first true stronghold: a curtain wall ring with corner towers around a massive central keep, modelled on Assyrian border forts and Hittite citadels. Archers on the wall walk keep three targets under fire at once, while a scorpion engine on the keep hurls heavy bolts at long range. In game the fortress anchors any defensive line — far tougher and better armed than a watchtower, but many times more expensive.