what is a siege

A siege is a military blockade of a city or fortress with the intent of conquering by attrition or by well-prepared assault. The term derives from the Latin word "sedere," which means "to sit". Siege warfare is characterized by one party holding a strong, static, defensive position, and it is a form of constant, low-intensity conflict. A siege occurs when an attacker encounters a city or fortress that cannot be easily taken by a quick assault and which refuses to surrender. Sieges involve surrounding the target to block the provision of supplies and reinforcement or escape of troops, a tactic known as "investment". Siegecraft, or poliorcetics, is used by the attacking force to conduct a siege. This includes attempts to reduce the fortifications by means of siege engines, artillery bombardment, mining (also known as sapping), or other means.