Fortification words overlap across languages, eras, and source vocabularies. Castle Atlas preserves the source class instead of silently rewriting every site into “castle.”
Castle
In the discovery layer, castle records are direct Wikidata instances selected by the castle root. The label alone is not enough to create the classification.
- Use the QID as the identity anchor.
- Keep local and alternate names separately.
- Do not assume a castle was primarily military.
Fort and fortress
The source snapshot distinguishes fort and fortress classes. Product filters may group related vocabulary for discovery, but the stored source value remains visible in the data chain.
- Preserve the raw source class.
- Explain any editorial grouping.
- Avoid ranking one class as “more authentic.”
Citadel
Citadel describes a fortified core or stronghold in many contexts. A cited classification should not be expanded into an unsupported architectural history.
- Separate classification from construction date.
- Use local terminology in the profile.
- Attach historical claims to their own sources.
Sources and review scope
Reviewed September 1, 2026. The examples below support identity and dataset method. They do not by themselves support current visitor information or a complete historical profile.