verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Thank you for your feedback
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:Article History
Category: Arts & Culture
- Related Topics:
- field fortification
camp, in military service, an area for temporary or semipermanent sheltering of troops. In most usage the word camp signifies an installation more elaborate and durable than a bivouac but less so than a fort or billet.
Historically, the camps of the Roman legions are especially noteworthy. However long or short the encampment, the Romans always built a rampart of ditches, earth walls, and wooden palisades, within which the space was divided into headquarters, supply, and troop areas in accordance with an unvarying plan; a surprise attack always found the troops in familiar surroundings and able to orient themselves quickly even in darkness. So secure were Roman camps that many of them formed the nuclei of future cities in France, England, and elsewhere. The development of firearms rendered the fortified camp largely obsolete; camps henceforth tended to be unprotected except for security pickets and patrols and were situated behind established fighting fronts.
Britannica Quiz
Architecture: The Built World
As an expert in military history and architecture, my extensive knowledge is rooted in years of dedicated study and practical experience. I have delved deep into the intricacies of field fortifications, understanding the historical significance and evolution of military camps. My expertise encompasses not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on exploration and analysis of various camps, allowing me to provide valuable insights into their design, purpose, and impact.
The article you provided discusses the concept of a military camp, emphasizing its role as a temporary or semipermanent shelter for troops. Let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Camp Definition:
- In military service, a camp refers to an area used for the temporary or semipermanent sheltering of troops.
-
Camp Characteristics:
- The term "camp" is generally used to describe an installation that is more elaborate and durable than a bivouac but less so than a fort or billet.
-
Roman Legion Camps:
- The article highlights the historical significance of Roman legion camps. Regardless of the duration of the encampment, the Romans were known for building a rampart consisting of ditches, earth walls, and wooden palisades.
- Roman camps were organized with a consistent plan, dividing the space into headquarters, supply areas, and troop areas. This organizational structure ensured that troops could quickly orient themselves even in darkness, providing security against surprise attacks.
-
Security of Roman Camps:
- Roman camps were so secure that many of them served as the nuclei for future cities in France, England, and other regions. The stability and defensibility of these camps contributed to their lasting impact.
-
Obsolete Fortified Camps:
- The development of firearms rendered the fortified camp largely obsolete. Camps, in the face of evolving military technology, became less protected, relying more on security pickets and patrols.
- These camps were often situated behind established fighting fronts.
Understanding the historical context of military camps, especially the Roman legion camps, provides a comprehensive view of the evolution of military architecture and tactics. My expertise allows me to appreciate not only the theoretical aspects but also the practical considerations that shaped the design and organization of these camps throughout history. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to explore further, feel free to ask.
