Using the example of a typical European fortress, which is called La Roche-Pont, the famous French restorer and architectural historian Viollet-le-Duc examines the stages of development of fortifications and siege weapons over more than two thousand years. The author talks about the intricacies of political intrigue and the problems of religious conflicts, describes the features of the construction of fortifications, types of defense and capture of fortifications, the evolution of weapons used by troops and various combat tactics. Written as a gripping novel, Viollet-le-Duc's well-reasoned work is recognized throughout the world as an outstanding work in the history of military art. The book is equipped with illustrations, drawings, diagrams and a terminological dictionary