Contravallatio : | |||||||||||||
A series of field work consisting of earthen ramparts and ditches excavated parallel to the circumvallatio but facing outwards, which were used to protect the Roman encampments against the attack of a relieving army; and in conjunction with the circumvallatio, prevented supplies and reinforcements reaching the besieged city. See circumvallate, circumvallatio, contravallation.
|
|||||||||||||
|