How did the terrain at Waterloo protect Wellington’s troops from French artillery?

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Historical battle map showing troop positions at the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, near Brussels, Belgium. Red lines represent Anglo-Dutch infantry and cavalry under Wellington, positioned north of French forces. Blue lines show French infantry and cavalry under Napoleon, with both armies facing each other across a central road. Key locations like Chateau de Goumont (Hougoumont) and Plancenoit are labeled, and an inset map highlights the location within present-day Belgium and Europe. — Battle of Waterloo Battle of Waterloo, June 18, 1815.

At the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington made expert use of the local topography to protect his forces from French artillery.

The battlefield consisted of two low ridges separated by a valley. Wellington positioned the majority of his troops on the reverse slope of the northern ridge, which effectively sheltered them from direct fire by the French batteries located on the southern ridge. This tactical placement ensured that his men were largely hidden from the view and direct line of fire of the French guns, significantly reducing the impact of the enemy's bombardment throughout the engagement.1