With the advent of mobile warfare, one single fortified stronghold is no longer as decisive as it once was. In the 20th century, the significance of the classical siege declined. In modern times, trenches replaced walls, and bunkers replaced castles. In the Napoleonic era, increasing use of ever more powerful cannon reduced the value of fortifications. Medieval campaigns were generally designed around a succession of sieges. Leonardo da Vinci gained as much of his renown from the design of fortifications as from his artwork. During the Renaissance and the Early Modern period, siege warfare dominated the conduct of war in Europe. Ancient cities in the Middle East show archeological evidence of having had fortified city walls. Sieges probably predate the development of cities as large population centers. Sieges usually involve surrounding the target and blocking the provision of supplies, typically coupled with siege engines, artillery bombardment, or sapping (also known as mining) to reduce fortifications. A siege occurs when an attacker encounters a city or fortress that refuses to surrender and cannot be easily taken by a frontal assault. Related subjects: Military History and WarĪ siege is a military blockade and assault of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by force or attrition.
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