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The blockade is an ancient war method, which has not been used continuously throughout history. Indeed, its use varies from geographic and political factors, but also the multiple and diverse technics. The blockade method was most adapted to Mediterranean cities across antiquity, so it disappears during the medieval times, before being brought anew in modern times. Technological evolutions and colonial competition among European powers generate a more frequent resort of blockade in the 19th century, which reaches its peak during the two global conflicts. The blockade use rate, especially by the British Empire, has already been denounced as an abuse of power by its competitors. That is the reason for the emergence of debates, as soon as the 16th century, for a future legal framework, such as the law of Armed Conflict.