From Savannah Under Attack
How did armies traditionally lay siege to a town?
Traditionally, armies laid siege to a town by surrounding it and cutting off all supply routes, effectively trapping the town and its inhabitants inside. This was done by deploying troops along the perimeter of the town and setting up a blockade to prevent any food, water, or other resources from reaching the town.
The next step usually involved the construction of fortifications and siege works such as trenches, earthworks, and palisades to protect the besieging forces and prevent any attempted escape or relief from the outside. These fortifications were designed to keep the defenders inside the town and also to provide cover for the attackers.
During the siege, the attacking force would try to weaken the defenders by launching constant assaults, firing cannons or catapults, and using other siege weapons to breach the town's walls or gates. The attackers would also target any vital structures within the town, such as water sources or granaries, to further starve the defenders.
If a breach in the town's defenses was successfully made, the attackers would then storm the town, engaging in intense hand-to-hand combat to gain control over key positions. This often resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Sieges could last for days, weeks, or even months, depending on the strength of the defenders and the resources available to the besieging force. Ultimately, the goal of a siege was to compel the defenders to surrender due to lack of supplies or overwhelming force.