Earth filled wicker camp or fort walls

[jkaler48]

I am wondering if there is any evidence of double wicker earth filled wall being used as Roman Camp or Fort walls. I have seen descriptions of wicker being used in practice shields and Building wall construction. I am supposing premade wicker panels would be easier to transport than palisade wall material for a Legion moving in desert treeless areas.

[M. Demetrius]

I don't know about evidence, but wicker panels wouldn't last long with wet earth next to them, I'd think. I might be wrong, though...no, really, it's happened now and then. :roll:

[Ron Andrea]

Wet dirt is less of a problem in the desert environment John asked about.

I have not heard of Romans using wicker basket defenses, though many peoples since have.

[D B Campbell]

Wicker panels could be used as defences in temporary works, but I imagine something more robust was required in a permanent fort. For use of wicker defences, look for the word pluteus (e.g. Caes., BGall. 7.25, 7.41, 7.72).

(Note that the wicker is not used in rampart construction, but is planted on top as a breastwork.)

[M. Demetrius]

You're right, Ron, there's not a lot of problem with excess water in the desert. Heh.

I have seen a picture in Osprey (admittedly, this is art, not automatically history) of soldiers building a ditch and berm, with wicker panels on top. They were rectangles, and alternated short and taller, fastening them against posts like modern fence panels. I imagined the slats to be fairly thick, not like baskets, and likely pretty good protection against sling stones, javelins and spears. But no explanation was given iirc, about how they were fastened together to the frames.

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

I had imagined the palisades on Caesars seige works to be topped with a whicker type palisade, with crennelations.

[D B Campbell]

I had imagined the palisades on Caesars seige works to be topped with a whicker type palisade, with crennelations.

Er, like this ..?

Wicker panels could be used as defences in temporary works, ... For use of wicker defences, look for the word pluteus (e.g. Caes., BGall. 7.25, 7.41, 7.72).

:roll: :lol:

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Yes........ :| lol:

[M. Demetrius]

Now, now, you Scots, there'll be no drawin' of dirks here.
:lol:

Besides, you said "wicker", he said "whicker".
Heh.
:roll: :wink:

The rectangles I saw in the illustration were put up alternately, one tall, the next short. They looked to be around 3 or 4 feet wide. and around a foot taller, if memory serves. It would do well enough for a while, as long as the berm was high enough, and the ditch wide enough to prevent an easy crossing.

But we're off the original topic, I think.

[D B Campbell]

But we're off the original topic, I think.

Ah, let's live dangerously, David. Caesar doesn't describe the dimensions of the panels, but I think you're probably along the right lines. (The last of the above references is to Alesia.)

P.S. In desert areas, the Roman army built in stone (e.g. Masada).

[Gaius Julius Caesar]

Was that after they chopped down all the trees in Judea laying seige to Jeruselem?