Aspects of Roman siegecraft
The present work represents a re-assessment of Roman siegecraft, based on the twin foundations of a comprehensive collection of historical narratives, and a thoroughgoing discussion of the archaeological evidence. The historical material is presented chronologically, and analysed statistically in order to test various common assumptions, such as the supposed Roman predilection for blockade as the principal besieging strategy, and circumvallation as the principle tactic; the statistical findings are tabulated for ease of reference. This provides a context for the ensuing study of the archaeological material, gathered and discussed under the three headings of encampments, circumvallations, and embankments. The phenomenon of the embankment is subjected to particular scrutiny, in order to question the common acceptance of NapolĂ©on's tripartite, timber-built design. Separate analyses of Roman artillery and siege-machinery round off the work, exposing several persistent fallacies concerning the operation and siting of stone-projecting catapults, and discussing the function of the different siege machines. Finally, amongst other myths, the recurring theme of decline in siegecraft is dismissed in the conclusion.
Campbell, Duncan B.
CC Archaeology
Aspects of Roman siegecraft. The present work represents a re-assessment of Roman siegecraft, based on the twin foundations of a comprehensive collection of historical narratives, and a thoroughgoing discussion of the archaeological evidence. The historical material is presented chronologically, and analysed statistically in order to test various common assumptions, such as the supposed Roman predilection for blockade as the principal besieging strategy, and circumvallation as the principle tactic; the statistical findings are tabulated for ease of reference. This provides a context for the ensuing study of the archaeological material, gathered and discussed under the three headings of encampments, circumvallations, and embankments. The phenomenon of the embankment is subjected to particular scrutiny, in order to question the common acceptance of NapolĂ©on's tripartite, timber-built design. Separate analyses of Roman artillery and siege-machinery round off the work, exposing several persistent fallacies concerning the operation and siting of stone-projecting catapults, and discussing the function of the different siege machines. Finally, amongst other myths, the recurring theme of decline in siegecraft is dismissed in the conclusion.
aspects roman present_work represent re_assessment roman base twin foundation comprehensive collection historical_narrative discussion archaeological_evidence historical_material present chronologically analyse statistically order_test various common_assumption suppose roman predilection blockade principal strategy principle tactic statistical finding ease reference provide_context ensue study archaeological_material gather discuss heading phenomenon subject particular scrutiny order question common acceptance tripartite timber built design separate analysis roman artillery siege machinery round work expose several persistent fallacy concern operation sit stone discuss function different siege machine finally amongst myth recur_theme decline dismiss conclusion