The phrases area bombing and carpet bombing refer to the use of large numbers of unguided gravity bombs, often with a high proportion of incendiary bombs, to attempt the complete destruction of a target region, either to destroy personnel and materiel, or as a means to demoralize the enemy (see terror bombing). The phrase probably is intended to invoke the image of bombs completely covering an area, like a carpet.

Initially, carpet bombing was effected by multiple aircraft, often returning to the target in waves. Nowadays, a large bomber or missile can be used to create the same effect on a small area (an airfield, for example) by releasing a relatively large number of smaller bombs.

Subjects to cover:

• The origins of bombing theory with Giulio Douhet
• First use of area bombing on a civilian target: Bombing of Guernica, April 1937
• First use of area bombing on a military target: Battle of El Mazuco, Asturias, September 1937
• The bombing of London and other British cities in World War II, also known as the Blitz
• The systematic destruction of German and Japanese population centers during World War II particularly: RAF Bomber Command's Battle of Berlin (air). Firestorms created by RAF Bomber Command in the bombing of Hamburg and the bombing of Dresden and USAAF in the bombing of Tokyo.
• Strategic bombing
• Carpet bombing in the Vietnam War
• The use of B52s to bomb the Iraqi National Guard in the Gulf War (1990–1991)

Carpet bombing is often linked to strategic bombing.

Aerial bombing

Kobercové bombardování | Flächenbombardement | Nalot dywanowy