vallihauta

Vallihauta refers to a ditch or trench surrounding a fortification, typically a castle or fort. Its primary purpose was defensive, acting as an obstacle to attackers. The presence of a vallihauta made it more difficult for enemy soldiers to reach the walls, and the depth and width of the ditch could further impede their progress. Often, the excavated earth from the vallihauta was used to build up the ramparts and walls of the fortification, thus strengthening the defenses. In some cases, vallihautas were filled with water, creating a moat. This served an additional purpose of preventing the use of siege towers and sapping operations, where attackers would tunnel under the walls. The design and construction of vallihautas varied depending on the era, available resources, and the specific threats faced by the fortification.