Gates open automatically if a friendly unit approaches to let them through, and only close again if no unit stands right under the Gate. So, if friendly units (most notably Trade Carts) cause the Gate to open, enemy units can also pass or keep the Gate open on purpose. To prevent that, Gates can be locked so they will not open, even to friendly units. Since update 99311, they can also be locked while being built. They can be unlocked again at any time. If they are placed over a wall piece or wall foundation, they will still get constructed.
With update 99311, Gates are lockable while they are being constructed.
History[]
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Gates were built into walls to allow access to a fortification. Because gates could be the most vulnerable part of a defensive position, extra care was taken to make them strong. A common type of gate was the portcullis, a heavy metal grid that was raised by a winch. The portcullis was in place by grooves in the stonework of the gateway and by its own weight. A long narrow passage, open from above, was usually placed behind the portcullis. Attackers who managed to get past the gate would then remain vulnerable to fire from soldiers in the narrow passage.
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Trivia[]
All of the Gate variations are of the portcullis type.
The Gates are the only constructable buildings without a square layout.
Gallery[]
All Stone Wall Gates in The Age of Kings and The Conquerors
All Stone Wall Gates in the HD Edition
All original Stone Wall Gates in the Definitive Edition
All expansional Stone Wall Gates in the Definitive Edition