Helmet and spear : $b stories from the wars of the Greeks and RomansChurch, Alfred John
History
Helmet and spear : $b stories from the wars of the Greeks and Romans
Church, Alfred John
Greece -- History, Military; Rome -- History, Military
But fortune still seemed to favour the Greek cause. The other Greek
cities had been actively employed in raising a relieving force. A
Syracusan army, made up by contingents from Gela and Camarina to 30,000
foot and 5,000 horse, reached the Agrigentine territory. Himilco
despatched a force of Spaniards and Italians to contest their further
advance. After a fierce fight the Carthaginian mercenaries were broken,
and compelled to retreat to their camp. Daphnæus of Syracuse, who was
in chief command, possibly recollecting the disastrous result of the
too vigorous pursuit of the enemy before Selinus, held back his men
when they would have followed up the victory. The officers in command
at Agrigentum were equally cautious. Their troops were eager to sally
out from the gates and fall upon the flying mercenaries as they
hurried past in disorder, but the generals absolutely refused their
permission, and the opportunity of completely destroying the enemy--so
at least the malcontents contended--was lost.
The allies now entered the town amidst general rejoicing. It was not
long, however, before a discordant note was heard. Loud complaints
were made of the supineness of the Agrigentine generals in allowing
the enemy to escape. Some went so far as to suggest that a treasonable
understanding existed between the Agrigentine generals and Himilco. A
public assembly was hurriedly convened, and the accused generals were
put upon their trials. The leader of the contingent from Camarina,
Menes by name, ranged himself with the accusers. What evidence was
brought against the generals we do not know. It is quite possible that
there was nothing worthy of the name, for a Southern mob was ready
then, as, indeed, it is now, to take its wildest guesses as truth.
Anyhow their defence, whatever it was, availed nothing. Four out of
the five were stoned to death, the fifth was allowed to escape in
consideration of his youth. At the same time the Spartan Dexippus was
severely censured.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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