The sudis (plural sudes) is a Latin word meaning stake. It was the name given to stakes carried by Roman legionaries for employment as a field fortification, sometimes also called vallus. It is frequently, but incorrectly, called a pilum murale meaning 'wall spear'. The stakes were carried by Roman legionaries, typically two were carried by each soldier. It seems clear that the stakes were used to form a temporary defence. However, the exact manner in which stakes were used is the subject of debate among experts.