City gate facts for kids
A city gate is a special entrance built into a city wall. Think of it like a big, strong door for an entire city! These gates were super important long ago. They controlled who could enter or leave a walled city.
Contents
Why Were City Gates Important?
City gates were much more than just doors. They served many purposes for cities, especially in the past. They helped keep people safe and organized.
Protecting the City
One main job of a city gate was defense. City walls and gates protected people inside from enemies. Guards would stand at the gates. They made sure no one dangerous could get in.
Controlling Who Comes and Goes
Gates also controlled who entered and left. People, wagons, goods, and animals all had to pass through. This helped cities manage trade and collect taxes. For example, a city might collect a small fee on goods brought in to sell.
Daily Life and Rules
City gates were often closed at night. This was called a curfew. Big cities like Prague and smaller ones like Flensburg in Germany did this. Closing the gates kept the city safe after dark.
Sharing Important News
City gates were also like public notice boards. Important information was often displayed there. This included announcements, tax rules, and even laws. Sometimes, gates were decorated with fancy shields or statues. This showed the city's power and history.
City Gates Today
City gates were common around the world from ancient times until the 1800s. As cities became safer, many gates were taken down. They were no longer needed for defense.
However, many city gates still stand today! They are important historical landmarks. Some have been rebuilt or restored. They remind us of the past and add beauty to cities.
Images for kids
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Kent Gate is a city gate at the ramparts of Quebec
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A guard checking a salesperson's papers at a city gate
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Bab Agnaou is a city gate in Marrakesh
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Zhengyangmen is a city gate in Beijing
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Damascus Gate is one of several gates of the Old City of Jerusalem.
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Brusselpoort is a city gate in Mechelen
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Písek Gate is a city gate in Prague
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Germans' Gate is a bridge castle and city gate in Reims
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Brandenburg Gate is a monument and city gate in Berlin
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Archi di Porta Nuova is a medieval city gate in Milan
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Porta San Giovanni is a city gate at the Aurelian Wall in Rome
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City Gate (Valletta) at the fortifications of Valletta in Valletta
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Green Gate is a city gate in Gdańsk
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Stargard Mill Gate is a city and watergate in Stargard
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Arco da Porta Nova is a city gate in Braga
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The Second Military Gate is a city at the Walls of Constantinople
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The main gate at Machu Picchu
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See also
In Spanish: Puerta de la ciudad para niños
