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
contabulatae_. 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 missiles 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.