The history of siege warfare parrallels the development of fortification and
artillery. In early times, battering rams and bores were used to
break down the walls and gates of a fortified place if deception, treachery, starvation, or storm could not carry it. To protect the attackers from missiles, hot oil, and
incendiaries
launched by the defender, a shelter was build out of wood and hide. Huge wooden towers were used by the besiegers and the besieged. Some notable sieges were:
