Glacis, Casemate Wall and Offset-Inset Wall Glacis The term “glacis” (gla-SEE), adopted from European military nomenclature, describes the massive earthen ramparts that surrounded virtually every important Canaanite city during the latter part of the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 1550 B.C.). This elaborate fortification system completely covered and reinforced the slopes of the mound on which the city was situated, hindering a direct enemy attack—by either assault troops or battering rams—against the main city wall on the summit. Constructed of hard-packed layers of beaten earth, the glacis was often strengthened by a stone core or internal retaining walls, […]