VYUŽITIE A LIKVIDÁCIA LESOV A POSVÄTNÝCH HÁJOV V ANTICKOM VOJENSTVE

The paper discusses the importance and use of forests in ancient warfare. In ancient sources, we often encounter the forest as an obstacle to be overcome, by cutting it down to create passes or paths, or vice versa, in order to block such paths. Even more extensive destruction of trees followed in the case of the building siege installations around towns, forts or enemy positions in the field. Setting the forest on fire had a similar but more effective and destructive effect. What should also be mentioned is the construction of war (or cargo) ships, which had to swallow up considerable areas of forest within reach of the Mediterranean shores. Apart from the original forests, the sacred groves surrounding temples in the ancient world must also be taken into account. In spite of their inviolability, sanctified by religious reverence, they too have fallen victim to the fire or axes of one of the warring parties from time to time. Last but not least, fruit gardens, olive groves and vineyards have been sacrificed.