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vallum

vallum

9.9
A low wall or bank of earth built to protect a camp
  • noun
  • /ˈvæləm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : vallum
  • The ancient vallum protected the Roman camp.

Examples

  • Archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient vallum surrounding the settlement.

  • The Roman army built a vallum to protect their encampment from surprise attacks.

  • Before nightfall, the soldiers finished constructing a sturdy vallum around their temporary camp.

  • Historians study the vallum for insights into Roman military tactics.

  • The Romans constructed a vallum around their camp for protection against enemy attacks.

  • In ancient times, a vallum was essential for securing the safety of settlements.

  • The archaeologists discovered the remains of a stone vallum that once encircled the military base.

Synonyms

barricade
vsvallum
83 4.8

A barrier put up to block a road or entrance

is planned and more permanent as a defensive wall rather than quick barrier
fortification
vsvallum
9 6.6

A wall or earth mound built to protect a place from attack

is specifically a single wall or barrier rather than general defensive works
1 3.9

A building or wall built to protect a place from attack

is a specific wall or barrier not any protective building or construction
ring wall
vsvallum
  • Specialized
7.5

A circular wall around a village or town that protects people from attack

is a defensive wall not limited to circular or oval enclosures
intrenchment
vsvallum
  • Archaic
9.9

A defensive position where soldiers stand behind trenches during war

is a solid wall-like barrier rather than a trench-based fortification

Antonyms

88 4.9

An opening in a wall, dam, or defence usually made by force

How Defensive

fortification
  • Specialized
2 8.1
bulwark
11 8.6
rampart
12 8.8
vallum
  • Specialized
9.9
wall
1.0
to fence
19 2.4
boundary
232 3.1

Surface Forms

vallum singular
valla plural

Etymology

Vallum comes from Latin and originally meant a defensive 'wall' or earth bank, from vallus, a word for a 'stake' used to make a fence. So a vallum is like a line of stakes or a raised bank that acts as a barrier, which is why it means a defensive wall.