Medieval Siege Tower

Timeline

1. 1181–1185Western Europe · Western EuropeBetween 1181 and 1185, Western European craftsmen standardized siege tower dimensions, wheel axles, and fireproof cladding based on accumulated siege experience, laying the groundwork for transport and on-site assembly for large-scale expeditions in the late 1180s.
2. 1187–1188Acre · LevantAfter the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the Crusader remnant and appeals from returning Europeans spurred the hurried construction of siege towers and trebuchets in 1188 to prepare for recovering coastal fortresses in the Levant, with Acre as the primary target.
3. 1189–1190Siege camp at Acre · LevantThe Crusaders began besieging Acre in August 1189; before 1190 multiple mobile siege towers were deployed to approach the walls, contending with Greek fire and counter-engines of the Muslim defenders, representing the most intensive practical use of siege towers in the sieges of the 1180s.