TURRIS

( πύργος ), a tower. Moveable towers were among the most important engines used in storming a fortified place. They were generally made of beams and planks, and covered, at least on the three sides which were exposed to the besieged, with iron, not only for protection, but also to increase their weight, and thus make them steadier. They were also covered with raw hides and quilts, moistened, and sometimes with alum, to protect them from fire. Their height was such as to overtop the walls, towers, and all other fortifications of the besieged place. They were divided into stories ( tabulata or tecta ), and hence they are called turres con tabula tae . The sides of the towers were pierced with windows, of which there were several to each story. The use of the stories was to receive the engines of war ( tormenta ). They contained balistae and catapults, and slingers and archers were stationed in them, and on the tops of the towers. In the lowest story was a battering-ram [ Aries ]; and in the middle one or more bridges ( pontes ) made of beams and planks, and protected at the sides by hurdles. Scaling-ladders ( scalae ) were also carried in the towers, and when the mi iles had cleared the walls, these bridges and ladders enabled the besiegers to rush upon them. These towers were placed upon wheels (generally 6 or 8), that they might be brought up to the walls. These wheels were placed for security inside of the tower.