river-flooding-siege-tactic

# River Flooding Siege Tactic A military engineering procedure for breaching fortified cities through hydraulic warfare. ## Overview When facing a well-fortified city that resists conventional assault, use water diversion to compromise defensive structures. ## Steps 1. **Survey the terrain**: Identify nearby rivers or water sources that can be diverted 2. **Plan diversion routes**: Construct canals or channels (河沟) to direct water toward the target city 3. **Execute diversion**: Breach or redirect water flow toward city walls 4. **Monitor effects**: Wait for water pressure to compromise walls and foundations 5. **Accept surrender**: Once walls collapse, the defending ruler will typically surrender 6. **Secure territory**: Take control of the entire region ## Prerequisites - Target city must be situated in a location vulnerable to flooding - Sufficient engineering resources and labor force - Control of upstream water sources ## Expected Outcomes - City walls collapse under water pressure - Minimal direct combat casualties - Complete territorial acquisition ## Historical Example In 225 BCE, Wang Ben diverted river waters to flood Daliang (Wei's capital), causing the walls to collapse and forcing King of Wei to surrender. ## Validation - Verify that terrain survey confirmed the target city is vulnerable to flooding with accessible upstream water sources - Confirm that diversion channels (河沟) are engineered to direct sufficient water pressure against walls and foundations - Check that surrender terms and territorial control plans are prepared before initiating the water diversion