How did armies traditionally lay siege to a town?
Traditionally, when armies laid siege to a town, they followed a systematic process aimed at capturing it. Here is a typical sequence of events:
1. Blockade: The besieging army would surround the town, cutting off all supply lines and communication routes. This blockade aimed to isolate the town from external support and prevent any reinforcement or escape attempts.
2. Fortification: The besieging army would construct fortifications around the town, often building walls, trenches, and earthworks to prevent the defenders from escaping or receiving aid.
3. Siege weapons: The besiegers would then employ various siege weapons such as trebuchets, catapults, battering rams, and siege towers. These machines were used to breach the town walls, destroy defenses, or create entry points into the town.
4. Mining: Another common tactic was mining, in which tunnels were dug under the town walls in order to collapse them or create an entry point for the attackers.
5. Assault: If the defenders were weakened by hunger, disease, or exhaustion due to the blockade, or if the attackers were successful in breaching the town's defenses, an assault would be launched. This involved storming the town and engaging in close combat with the defenders.
6. Surrender or Capture: If the assault succeeded, the besieging army would conquer the town. The defenders could either surrender, negotiate terms, or be captured and potentially face looting, pillaging, or other consequences.
It is important to note that the tactics varied based on the era, region, and the availability of resources and technology. The duration of a siege could range from days to months or even years, depending on the circumstances.