Page:Frontinus - The stratagems, and, the aqueducts of Rome (Bennet et al 1925).djvu/145

 STRATAGEMS, II. i. 16-11. 3

Gains Caesar, when in Gaul, learned that it was a principle and almost a law with Ariovistus, king of the Germans, not to fight when the moon was waning. Caesar therefore chose that time above all others for engaging in battle, Avhen the enemy were embarrassed by their superstition, and so conquered them.i

The deified 'espasian Augustus attacked the Jews on their sabbath, a day on which it is sinful for them to do any business, and so defeated them.^

When Lysander, the Spartan, was fighting against the Athenians at Aegosjiotami, he began by attack- ing the vessels of the Athenians at a regular hour and then calling off his fleet. After this had become an established procedure, as the Athenians on one occasion, after his withdrawal, were dispersing to collect their troops, he deployed his fleet as usual and withdrew it. Then, when most of the enemy had scattered according to their wont, he attacked and slew the rest, and captured all their vessels.^

II. On Choosing the Place for Battle

Manius CuRius, observing that the phalanx of King Pyrrhus could not be resisted when in extended order, took pains to fight in confined quarters, where the phalanx, being massed together, w ould embarrass itself.4

In Cappadocia Gnaeus Pompey chose a lofty site for his camp. As a result the elevation so assisted the onset of his troops that he easily overcame Mithridates by the sheer weight of his assault.^

When Ciaius Caesar was about to contend with Pharnaces, son of Mithridates, he drew up his line

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