Before the dawn of the concept of the nation-state, ancient cities, and civilizations fought fiercely for lands and resources. Siege warfare was commonplace in the Bronze and Iron Ages as empires looked to extend their hegemony, such as the Assyrians.

The ancient Assyrian Empire in the old, middle, and neo periods fought fiercely in siege tactics to turn rivals into vassalage and extend their force projection across the ancient Near East. These Semitic peoples would lay the foundations of siege warfare along with extraordinary cultural achievements for modern human civilization.

What is Siege Warfare?

Siege warfare includes armies conducting offensive operations against a fortified city or outpost by cutting off supply lines, resources, and lines of communications. Weaponry used to overtake walls or conduct operations underground is frequently used.