Definitions
- Describing the solid upright section of a battlement or parapet wall. - Referring to the raised portion of a fortification that provides cover for defenders. - Talking about the vertical projections on the top of a castle wall that alternate with crenels.
- Describing the open space between two merlons in a battlement or parapet wall. - Referring to the notched or indented part of a fortification that provides a firing position for defenders. - Talking about the rectangular gaps in the top of a castle wall that alternate with merlons.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are architectural features of fortifications.
- 2Both are found on the top of a castle wall.
- 3Both are used for defense purposes.
- 4Both are typically made of stone or brick.
- 5Both are part of a battlement or parapet wall.
What is the difference?
- 1Shape: Merlons are solid and upright while crenels are notched or indented.
- 2Function: Merlons provide cover for defenders while crenels provide a firing position.
- 3Position: Merlons are the raised portions of a fortification while crenels are the rectangular gaps between them.
- 4Alternation: Merlons alternate with crenels on the top of a castle wall.
Remember this!
Merlon and crenel are both architectural features of fortifications, specifically battlements or parapet walls on top of castle walls. However, they differ in shape, function, position, alternation, and etymology. Merlons are solid and upright sections that provide cover for defenders, while crenels are notched or indented parts that provide a firing position. They alternate on the top of a castle wall and have different origins in the French language.
