A siege tower is a tall, mobile structure used in ancient warfare to help soldiers breach the walls of a fortified city. These towers were typically made of wood and could be wheeled close to the enemy's walls. They allowed attackers to safely ascend and launch assaults from a higher vantage point. Siege towers often featured a roof that protected soldiers from arrows and other projectiles. Once positioned against the walls, troops could use ladders to climb from the tower onto the battlements, facilitating direct combat with defenders. They were commonly used during the Middle Ages and were an essential part of many sieges.