Moats are deep ditches dug around a castle, fort, or town as part of its’ defenses. They are generally located on the outer perimeter of a wall or stockade. Moats may be dry or filled with water (or lava or other liquids in more fantastic worlds). They may be spanned by bridges or drawbridges. Moats are important during sieges as they make it more difficult for attackers to dig sapping tunnels and bring siege equipment closer to the walls.

In fantasy worlds there may be dangers lurking in moats, such as piranhas or leviathans.

If your moat is located in cold weather, it may freeze over if filled with water.