Vestingplattegrond van Réalmont 1638

This is a vestingplattegrond of Réalmont, made with ink and watercolor by an anonymous artist. The defensive walls stand out immediately. Fortification, more than just physical defense, embodies the psychological need for security, a motif recurring throughout human history from ancient city walls to modern bunkers. Consider how children build forts—a primal act of creating safe spaces. This impulse is far more than rational. We can compare this impulse with the geometric layout of Réalmont, which echoes principles seen in Roman military camps. This order provided tactical advantages, and it also imposed control and discipline on a population. Even today, planned communities reflect our desire for structured environments that promise safety and predictability. These enduring symbols of safety demonstrate a constant cycle of building, securing, and adapting. Each generation leaves its imprint, subconsciously driven by fears and aspirations that transcend time.