Traditionally, armies laid siege to a town by surrounding it and cutting off its supplies and lines of communication. They would build fortifications, such as trenches, earthworks, and walls, to prevent escape or reinforcements. Artillery and siege engines were used to launch attacks and breach the town's defenses. The siege could last for weeks or months, during which time the population would suffer from hunger, disease, and deteriorating conditions until surrender or a successful storming of the town took place.
