A moat is a deep, broad ditch, either dry or filled with water, that surrounds a castle, building or town, historically to provide it with a preliminary line of defence. In some places moats evolved into more extensive water defences, including natural or artificial lakes, dams and sluices. In later castles the moat or water defences may be largely ornamental. Historical use Moats were excavated around castles and fortifications as part of the defensive system as an obstacle immediately outside… (More on Moat)