A city with wealthy citizens like Bautzen had to be constantly prepared for defense in the Middle Ages. Therefore, powerful city fortifications were built to deter enemy attacks. The sieges by the Hussites in 1429 and 1431 demonstrated that the existing defenses were no longer sufficient to protect the city. The municipality subsequently had the city fortifications extensively modernized and expanded well into the 16th century, with their might serving as a deterrent to enemy attacks. An outer and an inner city wall, moats, ditches, ramparts, bastions, and towers protected the city. Seven gates in the outer ring of walls secured access to the suburbs. By the early 18th century, however, the fortifications were gradually losing their military function. Furthermore, they hampered the city's architectural development and transport growth.