Cheval de frise

Common card · No. 230801

The cheval de frise (, plural chevaux de frise ; French pronunciation: [ʃə.val də fʁiz], plural [ʃə.vo də fʁiz], literally 'Frisian horses', not to be confused with the animal Friesian horse) is a defensive obstacle, existing in a number of forms, principally as a static anti-cavalry obstacle but also quickly movable to close breaches. The term was also applied to underwater constructions used to prevent the passage of ships or other vessels on rivers. In the anti-cavalry role the cheval de frise typically comprised a portable frame (sometimes just a simple log) with many projecting spikes. Wire obstacles ultimately made this type of device obsolete. The invention of the cheval de frise is attributed to ancient China. The concept of using a defensive obstacle made of wooden or metal stakes predates its use in Europe. Historical records suggest that similar types of defensive barriers, known as teng pai or mó pai, were used in China as early as the 4th century BC. These early versions...

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