Ancient wars were full of gunsmoke and blood, especially those brutal siege battles. The besieging soldiers climbed the ladder in rows, while the defenders always seemed to choose to repel the enemy with stones rather than simply knock the ladder down. The reason behind this is unknown and is still puzzling to this day.
From the early days of warfare to inter-tribal rivalries to the Iron Age, the forms and weapons of warfare have evolved many times. But the real change came in the siege battles above the city walls. This seemingly advantageous battle is actually a hidden mystery.
In the early days, if the defenders dared to push the ladder directly, they had to be exposed to the enemy's line of sight and the range of their bows and arrows, which was tantamount to throwing themselves into a trap. In the early days, bows and arrows had a short range, but as technology advanced, the accuracy and range of archers improved dramatically. One mistake is that there are no bones left.
And in the later period, with the advent of bows and crossbows, the situation became even more severe. The crossbow is fast, long-range, and powerful, and the slightest carelessness on the part of the defenders of the city can kill them on the spot. As a result, the defenders preferred to throw stones as a relatively safe way to defend themselves rather than push ladders, a choice that saved lives but also made siege warfare bloodier and more brutal.
Although ancient warfare is far inferior to the high-tech and long-range killing of modern warfare, this contest between manpower and weapons shows the cruel truth that war and evolution go hand in hand. Looking back on these tactics today, we can't help but feel that behind each tactic is the blood and wisdom of countless soldiers.
The advent of chariots, especially the use of ladder chariots, once again changed the face of siege warfare. Not only did this vehicle protect soldiers and reduce casualties, but its structure made it almost impossible to push ladders. Despite technological advances and a greater diversity of siege weapons, such as the use of catapults and artillery, these technologies also introduce new uncertainties and risks.
The wheels of history are rolling forward, and every technological innovation has a direct impact on the strategy and results on the battlefield. From ancient siege ladders to modern high-tech weapons, every step of progress is the crystallization of human ingenuity, and at the same time a profound reflection on the bloody wars of the past.
May the lessons of history make us cherish peace more and have the courage to build rather than destroy.