Earthworks

The term earthworks refers to embankments designed to furnish protection in times of war.

Soldiers building a trench, for protection from direct fire, may pile the dirt they dig up in front of the trench, for more protection.

Field magazines might be protected from direct fire, to lessen the danger of the ammunition being exploded by an enemy shell, when no suitable natural declivity can be found.

During siege warfare earthwork trenches were constructed, on diagonal lines, to allow the beseiger to more safely approach the fortifications they planned to attack.