08-26-2002, 11:11 AM
Before saying anything let me qualify that I am not an expert in this field and know only what I have had the chance to play with.<br>
<br>
Making three legged tripod and burying the bottom part about six to 12 inches makes them very difficult to pull out of the ground. But tough/loose soil might make this impossible.<br>
<br>
Also the grappling hook idea relies upon a number of things, too many problems, I think, to allow it to be a viable tactic in the face of a marching camp.<br>
<br>
It assumes that a vast number of men are able to have been armed with grappling hooks or similar device. Also we have to assume that these men armed with a vast amount of grappling hooks are willing to try and hook onto difficult targets to hit whilst coming under a barraige of missiles possibly including stone bullets, arrows, bolts, pilum, spears, rocks and anything else throwable.<br>
<br>
Perhaps, as with a lot of fortifications, the fortification was considered a deterant and not full proof. An unfortified marching camp could be easily ambushed, but with the added problems of embankments, trip hazards and missiles it would probably take a certified and cordinated attack to be successful with very heavy losses.<br>
<br>
Just a few thoughts on the matter based upon nothing but guess work and supposition.<br>
<br>
Yours<br>
<br>
Graham <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Making three legged tripod and burying the bottom part about six to 12 inches makes them very difficult to pull out of the ground. But tough/loose soil might make this impossible.<br>
<br>
Also the grappling hook idea relies upon a number of things, too many problems, I think, to allow it to be a viable tactic in the face of a marching camp.<br>
<br>
It assumes that a vast number of men are able to have been armed with grappling hooks or similar device. Also we have to assume that these men armed with a vast amount of grappling hooks are willing to try and hook onto difficult targets to hit whilst coming under a barraige of missiles possibly including stone bullets, arrows, bolts, pilum, spears, rocks and anything else throwable.<br>
<br>
Perhaps, as with a lot of fortifications, the fortification was considered a deterant and not full proof. An unfortified marching camp could be easily ambushed, but with the added problems of embankments, trip hazards and missiles it would probably take a certified and cordinated attack to be successful with very heavy losses.<br>
<br>
Just a few thoughts on the matter based upon nothing but guess work and supposition.<br>
<br>
Yours<br>
<br>
Graham <p></p><i></i>
