Circumvallation
/ˌsɜːrkəmvæˈleɪʃən/noun
A fortification or defensive trench constructed around a place, especially a besieged town or army.
Did you know?Julius Caesar famously used circumvallation at the siege of Alesia, building an inward-facing line against the Gauls and an outward-facing line against their rescuers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“To turn, bend, or enclose; a proposed ancient root associated with enclosing forms and barriers.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
vallus
“A stake or pointed post used in a defensive barrier.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
vallum
“A rampart, palisade, or fortified defensive work made from stakes.”
Classical Latin
Latin
circumvallare
“To surround with a rampart or fortification.”
Late Latin
Latin
circumvallatio
“The act or result of surrounding a place with fortifications.”
17th Century
English
circumvallation
“A fortified line or trench constructed around a besieged place.”