Egypt 2011-2012: A Year of Revolution: Along the Barricades

While the center of Tahrir Square remained mostly peaceful, this calm was hardwon by those who manned the barricades that kept the pro-Mubarak forces from charging back into the Square. Protesters set up a series of barricades, along the borders of the square manned 24-7 by rotating groups of mostly young men and backed up by others acting as lookouts on rooftops who would sound the alarm at the sign of any movement from the other side. The alarm would bring out reinforcements from the main square, armed with rocks to repell the invaders and makeshift helmets to protect them.selves.