Glossary

Ambush (or raid) A form of combat commonly employed in warfare among small-scale societies involving small groups of men sneaking into enemy territory to kill a few people. band A small, autonomous group of people made up of nuclear families that live together and are loosely associated with a territory. Often numbering as low as 20 or as high as a few hundred, bands are typically found amongst societies with foraging subsistence economies. bastion A projecting portion of a fortification barrier that allows flanking fire against attackers approaching the curtain. chiefdom Society headed by individuals with certain skills, authority, and power. Chiefdoms are associated with greater population density and are marked by signs of social ranking and

Stratification. Chiefdoms tend to be more complex and organized than smaller-scale societies such as tribes. curtain The outer or enclosing wall or barrier of a fortification. earthworks Types of fortifications constructed from large quantities of soil.

Palisade A fence of posts forming a defensive barrier or curtain. ramparts Fortification consisting of an embankment, often with a parapet built on top.

Siege Act or process of surrounding and attacking a fortified place in such a way as to isolate it from help and supplies. state An autonomous political unit, encompassing many communities within its territory and having a centralized government. The government usually has the power to collect taxes, draft men for work or war, and decree and enforce laws. Also, states represent a major departure from earlier kin-based societies and state leaders usually possess a monopoly over the use of deadly force.

Tribe Loosely defined as a large collection of bands, leadership tends to be based on charisma and skill with an absence of official or political offices containing real power. Kinship ties and family structures form the primary bonding mechanisms.