- The Contravallation is a line of fortifications and towers used to besiege a fortress or town.
- It was made famous by Julius Caesar who used it during the Battle of Alesia in 52 BCE.
Contravallation
- After a group of Vercingetorix‘ Cavalry escaped to get help, Julius Caesar built a second line of fortifications.
- This was 13 miles (21km) long, facing away from the city, with four Cavalry Camps.
- It was designed to protect the besiegers from an allied army attempting to break through the siege, and rescue the defenders in the city.
Circumvallation
- In 52 BCE, during the Battle of Alesia Julius Caesar built a ‘Circumvallation’ in three weeks.
- This was a series of lines of embankments and entrenchments with towers at intervals, facing the besieged, with an 11 mile (18km) wall four metres high, encircling the city of Alesia, to prevent entry or escape.
- The trenches were 15 feet (4.5m) deep and filled with mantraps, such as the Caltrop.
MuseoParc Alesia
- The Park is located on the alleged site of Alesia at Alise-Sainte-Reine.
- It holds reconstructions of some of the Roman fortifications.
MuseoParc Alesia