Bastiles meaning

"Bastiles" refers to fortified structures used as prisons, especially during the French Revolution.


Bastiles definitions

Word backwards selitsab
Part of speech The word "bastiles" is a noun.
Syllabic division bas-til-es
Plural The plural of the word "bastile" is "bastiles".
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,i,e
Consonants (4) b,s,t,l

Bastiles were fortress-like structures used primarily as prisons in France during the medieval and early modern periods. These fortresses were designed to hold prisoners securely and prevent them from escaping. The most famous bastille, the Bastille Saint-Antoine in Paris, was a symbol of royal tyranny and was stormed by revolutionaries on July 14, 1789, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

History of Bastiles

The origins of bastiles can be traced back to the medieval period when these structures were built to defend cities and towns. Over time, they evolved into prisons where political dissidents and other prisoners were held without trial. The Bastille Saint-Antoine, built in the 14th century, became a symbol of royal oppression and tyranny.

Architecture and Design

Bastiles were characterized by their thick walls, high towers, and strong gates. They were often surrounded by a moat or other defensive structures to prevent attacks or escapes. Inside, the prison cells were dark and damp, with minimal light and ventilation. Prisoners were often chained to the walls and subjected to harsh living conditions.

Role in the French Revolution

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, was a turning point in the French Revolution. The revolutionaries seized control of the fortress and released the prisoners, signaling a symbolic victory over royal authority. The fall of the Bastille marked the beginning of the end for the monarchy and the rise of the revolution.

In conclusion, bastiles played a significant role in French history as symbols of oppression and resistance. These fortresses were more than just prisons; they represented the power dynamics of a society on the brink of change. The legacy of the Bastille Saint-Antoine continues to resonate in popular culture and historical memory as a reminder of the struggle for freedom and justice.


Bastiles Examples

  1. The old bastiles stood as a reminder of the city's medieval past.
  2. The prison was likened to a bastile, with its imposing stone walls and heavy iron gates.
  3. During the revolution, the rebels stormed the bastile and liberated the prisoners.
  4. The fortress was known as the last bastile of defense against invading forces.
  5. The bastile's dungeons were rumored to be filled with unspeakable horrors.
  6. The king's palace was surrounded by a bastile, making it impenetrable to attackers.
  7. The bastile's towering walls cast a shadow over the surrounding countryside.
  8. The rebels planned their attack on the bastile under the cover of darkness.
  9. The captured soldiers were thrown into the bastile and left to rot.
  10. The bastile's battlements offered a commanding view of the battlefield below.


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  • Updated 28/06/2024 - 22:15:37