Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/257

Rh by surrounding it with ditches and walls, after the system introduced and put into execution by Moroni.

The foundation of Moroni's system of fortifications was earthworks encircling the place to be defended. The earth was dug from the outside, by which means a ditch was formed. Sometimes walls of stone were erected. On the top of the earthworks strong defenses of wood, sometimes breastworks, in some cases to the full height of a man, were raised; and above these a stockade of strong pickets was built to arrest the flight of the stones and arrows of the attacking forces. Behind these walls, towers were raised at various convenient points, from which observations of the movements of the enemy were taken, and wherein corps of archers and slingers were stationed during the actual continuance of the battle. From their elevated and commanding position these bodies of soldiers could do great injury to the attacking force.

In B. C. 73, Amalickiah commenced active hostilities. He raised an immense army, and, placing it under the direction of Zoramite commanders, ordered its advance into the western possessions of the Nephites, in which region stood the cities of Noah and Ammonihah. When the invaders reached the last named city they found it too strongly fortified to be taken by assault; they therefore retired to Noah, originally a very weak place, but now, through Moroni's foresight and energy, made stronger than Ammonihah. The Zoramite officers well knew that to return home without having attempted something would be most disastrous, they therefore, though with little hope, made an assault upon Noah. This step resulted in throwing away a thousand lives outside its walls, while its well-protected defenders had but fifty men wounded. After this disastrous attempt, the Lamanites marched home. Great was