15thc perception on swallowtail merlons?

[Koen G]

There are swallowtail merlons on the You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login to view. on the Greek island of Patmos. This is the place where, according to tradition, John of Patmos received his apocalyptic visions.



The monastery was built in the 11th century and fortified because of frequent attacks and raids on the island. The castle-like walls are original, but they have been expanded and restored in subsequent centuries. I have been unable to find when the merlons were added, and why they took this shape on an orthodox monastery.