watchtower

A high, fortified tower located either within a town (Judg 9:51; 2Chr 26:9) or elsewhere (2Chr 26:10), presumably at a strategic location. The obvious purpose was military: it was either a position to defend or a location from which to assess enemy troop movements. When erected in fortified towns, watchtowers were probably attached to and built into walls of the city and had a separate entrance (Judg 9:52). In fields, towers could serve both as a lookout and as a fieldhouse for owners of large properties.