Siege

Siege of Lisbon by Roque Gameiro

Ultimos Momentos en Rancagua

Assyrian relief of attack on an enemy town during the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III 720-738 BCE from his palace at Kalhu (Nimrud)

Ramesseum siege of Dapur

Fotothek df tg 0000158 Belagerung ^ Festung ^ Belagerungsmaschine

Trebuchet

Siege is a military operation where forces surround a town or fortification with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside. Sieges have been a common form of warfare since ancient times and have played a significant role in various historical conflicts. The primary objective of a siege is to isolate and cut off the target from supplies and reinforcements, thereby weakening its defenders and forcing them to capitulate without the attackers having to engage in direct combat.

History

The history of sieges is as old as warfare itself. Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Persians, developed sophisticated siege techniques, such as the use of battering rams, siege towers, and the mining of walls. The medieval period saw the construction of formidable castles and fortifications, making sieges a central aspect of warfare during this era. Techniques and technologies evolved, with the introduction of gunpowder in the late Middle Ages revolutionizing siege warfare. This led to the development of cannons and artillery, which gradually made traditional fortifications obsolete.

Techniques

Siege techniques can be broadly categorized into two types: investment and assault. Investment involves surrounding and blockading the target to cut off supplies and reinforcements, often using a circumvallation (a surrounding line of fortifications). Assault involves direct attacks on the fortifications, using siege engines, artillery, or scaling ladders. Mining, or tunneling under walls to cause their collapse, was also a common technique. In modern times, aerial bombardment and the use of armored vehicles have become prevalent methods of conducting sieges.

Famous Sieges

Several sieges have had significant impacts on the course of history. The Siege of Troy, as described in Homer's Iliad, is one of the earliest and most famous examples, although its historical accuracy is debated. The Siege of Constantinople (1453) marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The Siege of Leningrad during World War II was one of the longest and most destructive sieges in history, with profound human suffering and loss of life.

Modern Sieges

In the modern era, sieges have continued to occur, though the methods and technologies involved have evolved. Urban warfare and the use of precision-guided munitions have changed the nature of sieges, making them more destructive to civilian infrastructure and populations. The Siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and the siege of Aleppo in the Syrian Civil War are recent examples of how sieges can impact cities and lead to significant humanitarian crises.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Sieges, particularly in urban environments, raise significant legal and ethical issues. The laws of war, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions, require belligerents to protect civilians and ensure their access to food, water, and medical care. However, the reality of modern sieges often involves the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, leading to widespread suffering and casualties among non-combatants.