siege
Quick Summary
A siege is a military operation where a city or fortified place is surrounded and attacked to force its surrender. This involves cutting off the flow of people and supplies. Sieges can also refer to a persistent attack of illness.12
Historically, sieges have evolved significantly. Before gunpowder, castles and fortified cities were difficult to attack. However, the development of effective siege cannon in the 15th century, particularly by the French and Ottomans, made medieval fortifications vulnerable. This led to changes in fortification design, with engineers developing new ways to defend against artillery. The art of siege warfare, including fortification and attack, was a significant aspect of medieval strategy.34
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
military technologySiege towersSo large was one siege tower used by Macedonians in an attack on Rhodes that 3,400 men were required to move it up to the city walls. Another 1,000 men were needed to wield a battering ram 180 feet (55 meters) long. The Romans constructed huge siege towers, one…
Read MoreSo large was one siege tower used by Macedonians in an attack on Rhodes that 3,400 men were required to move it up to the city walls. Another 1,000 men were needed to wield a battering ram 180 feet (55 meters) long. The Romans constructed huge siege towers, one…
Read More- military technologySiege weapons
The most basic means of taking a fortress were to storm the gate or go over the wall by simple escalade using ladders, but these methods rarely succeeded except by surprise or treachery. Beginning in the 9th century, European engineers constructed wheeled wooden…
Read MoreThe most basic means of taking a fortress were to storm the gate or go over the wall by simple escalade using ladders, but these methods rarely succeeded except by surprise or treachery. Beginning in the 9th century, European engineers constructed wheeled wooden…
Read More