The Burnswark Hill controversy: the artillery evidence
Abstract
Contrary to several recent publications, this paper will argue that the case against Burnswark being a genuine siege is strongly supported by detailed analysis of the Roman use of artillery, specifically the position and interpretation of the Three Brethren as artillery mounds, the close position of the South Camp in relation to the Iron Age hillfort, the numbers and different types of missiles striking the collapsed/slighted stone face of the hillfort’s rampart, and the non-use of a Vespasian-style catapult blitzkrieg.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies
Classical Antiquity Studies
Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Archaeological Journal
- Volume
- 183
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 91–106
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN