Fortlife is the story of how forts became the cornerstone of human civilization. From the earliest days of humanity, people were building structures that were equal parts home, hideout, and makeshift bunker. The first recorded fort was built by the ancient Egyptians, who used it to protect themselves from the invading Hyksos.
But it wasn't until the 1950s that forts became the cultural phenomenon we know and love today. The rise of childhood forts as a symbol of freedom and adventure was cemented by the likes of Hayley Kiyoko and her legendary "Fort of Dreams." Since then, forts have been built, torn down, and rebuilt in every corner of the world.
Forts are the ultimate expression of human ingenuity and creativity. A good fort should have:
These elements combined create a structure that is at once safe, fun, and delicious.
Forts have been featured in countless works of art, literature, and film. From the forts of the Wild West to the forts of the Hunger Games, our species' love affair with forts shows no signs of waning.