fortification agate

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an agate, used as a gem, having polygonal banding such that it suggests the plan of a bastion.

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First recorded in 1880–85

The first unambiguous evidence of fortification walls dates from around 4300 BC in what is now Turkey.
War! What Is It Good For? A Lot|Nick Romeo|August 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The historian Pliny the Elder describes owning agate cups as a sign of wealth and luxury.
Spain’s New ‘Holy Grail’: Jesus Couldn’t Afford That Kind of Bling|Candida Moss|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By contrast this cup is made of gold, onyx, precious stones, and the stone agate.
Spain’s New ‘Holy Grail’: Jesus Couldn’t Afford That Kind of Bling|Candida Moss|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Agate was widely used to carve high-value objects like signets and cylinder seals in the ancient Near East.
Spain’s New ‘Holy Grail’: Jesus Couldn’t Afford That Kind of Bling|Candida Moss|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST

While agate could likely be acquired much more cheaply, aristocratic Romans were serious about their agate.
Spain’s New ‘Holy Grail’: Jesus Couldn’t Afford That Kind of Bling|Candida Moss|April 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I sent an order and what was necessary for the fortification at Oton, and had that port put in a state of defense.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various
They burnt 12 houses and barns without the fortification, and drove away the cattle and sheep.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
And he ordered workmen to build the walls, and mount Sion round about with square stones for fortification: and so they did.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
The moats, on the left bank of the river, were dug at the foot of the walls forming the old circle of fortification.
The Merrie Tales Of Jacques Tournebroche|Anatole France
It had a fortification such as became usual in later bridges for defence or for the enforcement of tolls.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various