UCLA

This dissertation is a study of Greek siege warfare in the Archaic and Classical periods. The first chapter looks chronologically at the development of offensive siege tactics, making references to key technological developments. It is argued here that siege warfare was long a practice among Greeks, though more sieges are undertaken after the advent of interstate coalitions. The dissertation places an emphasis on the experience of the besieged. The second chapter provides a detailed look at the various steps taken by a polis to prepare the countryside and the city for an imminent siege. Chapter three depicts the many actions undertaken by the besieged during an attack. The study suggests a continuity in siege warfare and finds that there was more of a steady in ancient Greek sieges over the period.