Which ancient siege weapons combined mobility with protection?

In the context of ancient and medieval warfare, several siege weapons were engineered to provide both mobility and protection for attackers approaching fortified positions. These early designs are considered precursors to the modern armoured fighting vehicle.1

Key examples include:

• Siege Towers (Belfroys): These were large, wheeled wooden structures used to transport soldiers toward enemy walls. To protect against fire and defensive missiles, their exterior surfaces were typically covered with animal hides. They often featured protected firing positions for archers and drawbridges to facilitate storming the ramparts.234
• Mobile Battering Rams: These consisted of a heavy timber ram suspended within a movable, wheeled shed. The shed provided essential cover for the operators, protecting them from stones and incendiary materials thrown by defenders.52
• Mantelets and Galleries: To guard against enemy fire, attackers often utilized large wicker or wooden shields known as mantelets, which were sometimes mounted on wheels. Additionally, soldiers might approach a fortress under the protection of covered wooden galleries.4

These devices combined the mobility of wheeled transport with structural shielding, establishing the foundational concept of protected, mobile combat platforms.1