Fortifications

The architecture of the early Filipinos are also reflected in the historical military structures in the
country. There was often competition in trade between the thalassocratic states in the archipelago.
Neighboring kingdoms would often wage wars against one another to gain control of trade and
territory. Fortifications were then necessary to keep their subjects and interests protected. Due to
foreign attacks and colonisation, only a few of these fortresses physically remain. However, many
cities in the country, such as Manila, were built on the basis of fortifications that predated the colony.