Onager/ Ballista use in a Roman fort

[Currahee Chris]

Hello everyone.

Thank you for taking a moment to read my thread. Terribly sorry if it sounds ridiculous but I am curious if anyone out there has read any information of Roman siege artillery being used in a defensive capacity- ie to repel hordes of attacking infantry perhaps.

I am a toy soldier collector and my wife stunned me this past Christmas with buying me a couple dozen pieces for a Roman fort. I own some ballista and one onager and was not planning on having my legion in a defensive position- they would be using their equipment in a siege capacity. Sooooo, Im sort of in a quandry here.

I appreciate any input you fellas can provide. I am relatively new to Roman Army interests and understanding the ancient world and am looking forward to continuing my journey of knowledge with the folks on this forum

Warmest personal regards
CC

[ValentinianVictrix]

Do a google search for Ammianus Marcellinus. Have a read of his history. He gives a very graphic description of the Siege of Amida, at which he was present. This details Roman artillery used to repell besiegers.

[D B Campbell]

I am curious if anyone out there has read any information of Roman siege artillery being used in a defensive capacity- ie to repel hordes of attacking infantry perhaps.

Sounds as if you need some Osprey ancient siege warfare books!

[Currahee Chris]

I am curious if anyone out there has read any information of Roman siege artillery being used in a defensive capacity- ie to repel hordes of attacking infantry perhaps.

Sounds as if you need some Osprey ancient siege warfare books!

Cheers to that Mr. Campbell!!

Thank you both for providing your insights. I am now set to task on putting my display together!!

[PhilusEstilius]

I think it has been suggested that the fort of Breminium at High Rochester north of Hadrian's Wall had positions that may have been built to carry ballista.

[D B Campbell]

... the fort of Bremenium at High Rochester north of Hadrian's Wall ...

There's a nice graphic by Andrew Brozyna in Ancient Warfare magazine, Vol. II, No. 2.