COUNTERVALLATION Meaning and
Definition
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Countervallation is a military strategy and technique used in fortification practices to defend against besieging forces. It refers to the construction of additional fortifications or barriers outside the main defensive walls or structures of a fortified position. These additional defenses are constructed in a way that creates obstacles and impediments for the enemy forces, thereby increasing the overall strength and resilience of the defensive position.
Countervallation aims to deter, delay, or obstruct the enemy's advance towards the main defensive works. By creating an extended line of defenses, it forces the enemy to confront multiple layers of obstacles, making their progress slower and more difficult. These additional fortifications might include trenches, palisades, earthworks, or other types of barriers that hinder the enemy's movement and render them vulnerable to attack.
The concept of countervallation is closely linked to another fortification technique called circumvallation. While countervallation refers to the construction of defenses outside the main fortifications, circumvallation involves constructing defensive works around the besieging forces themselves. Together, these strategies form a comprehensive approach to fortification during a siege, aiming to prevent the enemy from breaching or capturing the defended position.
Countervallation has been employed throughout history in various military campaigns and sieges. Its effective use can significantly increase the chances of successfully repelling an enemy attack, providing defenders with a greater advantage and protection during times of conflict.
Common Misspellings for COUNTERVALLATION
- xountervallation
- vountervallation
- fountervallation
- dountervallation
- ciuntervallation
- ckuntervallation
- cluntervallation
- cpuntervallation
- c0untervallation
- c9untervallation
- coyntervallation
- cohntervallation
- cojntervallation
- cointervallation
- co8ntervallation
- co7ntervallation
- coubtervallation
- coumtervallation
- coujtervallation
- couhtervallation
Etymology of COUNTERVALLATION
The word "countervallation" is derived from the Latin word "contra" meaning "against" and the Latin word "vallatio" meaning "fortification" or "rampart". "Countervallation" refers to the defensive wall or fortification built by a besieged army against the outer wall or trench of the besieger. It is designed to protect the besieged from attacks or to hinder the progress of the besieger in building siege works. Therefore, the etymology of "countervallation" suggests the concept of opposing or countering the vallation or fortification of the enemy during a siege.
