Siege ramps were an essential component of ancient warfare, particularly in the context of besieging fortified cities. These structures were constructed to enable attacking armies to overcome the defensive walls of a city, allowing soldiers and siege engines to reach and breach the fortifications. The use of siege ramps is documented in several biblical accounts, illustrating their strategic importance in military campaigns during biblical times.

Biblical References

One of the most notable references to siege ramps in the Bible is found in the account of the Assyrian siege of Lachish. The Assyrian king Sennacherib laid siege to the fortified city of Lachish, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:13-14 and 2 Chronicles 32:1. Although the specific term "siege ramp" is not used in these passages, archaeological evidence from the site of Lachish reveals the construction of a massive siege ramp by the Assyrians, which facilitated their successful assault on the city.

Another significant mention of siege ramps is in the prophetic writings of Jeremiah. In Jeremiah 32:24 , the prophet describes the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem: "See how the siege ramps are mounted against the city to capture it; by sword and famine and plague the city will be handed over to the Babylonians who are attacking it." This passage highlights the use of siege ramps as a critical element in the Babylonian strategy to conquer Jerusalem, emphasizing the dire situation faced by the inhabitants of the city.

Ezekiel also references siege ramps in his symbolic actions and prophecies. In Ezekiel 4:2 , the prophet is instructed to "lay siege to it, build a siege wall against it, and raise up a ramp against it." This symbolic act serves as a visual representation of the impending judgment and destruction that would come upon Jerusalem due to its disobedience and idolatry.

Construction and Use

Siege ramps were typically constructed using earth, stones, and timber. The attacking army would gather materials from the surrounding area to build a sloped ramp leading up to the city walls. This construction allowed soldiers to approach the walls under some degree of cover and provided a platform for siege engines, such as battering rams and towers, to be brought close to the fortifications.

The construction of a siege ramp was a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, often requiring the mobilization of large numbers of troops and laborers. The defenders of a city would attempt to thwart the construction of siege ramps by launching counterattacks, reinforcing their walls, or constructing additional defensive structures.

Historical and Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological excavations have provided valuable insights into the use of siege ramps in ancient warfare. The site of Lachish, in particular, has yielded significant evidence of the Assyrian siege ramp, including remnants of the ramp itself and reliefs depicting the siege found in Sennacherib's palace at Nineveh. These findings corroborate the biblical accounts and offer a tangible connection to the historical events described in Scripture.

The use of siege ramps underscores the relentless nature of ancient warfare and the determination of besieging armies to overcome even the most formidable defenses. In the biblical narrative, siege ramps serve as a powerful symbol of judgment and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments, as seen in the sieges of Lachish and Jerusalem.