Page:History of Greece Vol VII.djvu/15

Cont CONTENTS. is of Epipolse. Intention of the Syracusans to occupy the summit of Epi- poise. The summit is surprised by the Athenians. The success of this surprise was essential to the effective future prosecution of the siege. First operations of the siege. Central work of the Athenians on Epi- polae, called The Circle. First counter-wall of the Syracusans. Its direction, south of the Athenian circle its completion. It is stormed, taken, and destroyed by the Athenians. Nikias occupies the southern cliff and prosecutes his line of blockade south of the Circle. Second counter- work of the Syracusans reaching across the marsh, south of Epipolae, to the river Anapus. This counter-work attacked and taken by Lamachus general battle death of Lamachus. Danger of the Athenian circle and of Nikias victory of the Athenians. Entrance of the Athenian fleet into the Great Harbor. The southern portion of the wall of blockade, across the marsh to the Great Harbor, is prosecut- ed and nearly finished. The Syracusans offer no farther obstruction despondency at Syracuse increasing closejjfss of the siege. Order of the besieging operations successively undertaken by the Athenians. Triumphant prospects of the Athenians. Disposition among the Sikcls and Italian Greeks to favor them. Conduct of Nikias his correspon- dents in the interior of Syracuse. Confidence of Nikias comparative languor of his operations. Approach of Gylippus he despairs of re iieving Syracuse. Progress of Gylippus, in spite of discouraging reports Approach of Gylippus is made known to Nikias. Facility of prevent- ing his farther advance Nikias despises him, and leaves him to coma unobstructed. He lands at Himera in Sicily. Blindness of Nikias egregious mistake of letting in Gylippus. Gylippus levies an army and marches across Sicily from Himera to Syracuse. The Corinthian Gog- gylus reaches Syracuse before Gylippus just in time to hinder the town from capitulating. Gylippus with his new-levied force enters Syr- acuse unopposed. Unaccountable inaction of Nikias. Vigorous and aggressive measures of Gylippus, immediately on arriving. Gylippus surprises and captures the Athenian fort of Labdalum. He begins the construction of a third counter-wall, on the north side of the Athenian circle. Nikias fortifies Cape Plemmyrium. Inconveniences of Plem- myrium as a maritime station mischief which ensues to the Athe- nian naval strength. Operations of Gylippus in the field his defeat. His decisive victory the Athenians are shut up within their lines. The Syracnsan counter-wall is carried on so far as to cut the Athenian line of blockade. Farther defences provided by Gylippus, joining the higher part of Epipolte with the city wall. Confidence of Gylippus and the Syracusans aggressive plans against the Athenians, even on the sea. Discouragement of Nikias and the Athenians. Nik- ias sends home a despatch to Athens, soliciting reinforcements. De- spatch of Nikias to the Athenian people. Resolution of the Athenians to send Demosthenes with a second armament. Remarks upon tie de- spatch of Nikias. Former despatches of Nikias. Effect of his despatch upon the Athenians. Treatment of Nikias by the Athenians. Capital mistake committed by the Athenians. Hostilities from Sparta certain and impending. Resolution of Sparta to invade Attica forthwith, and lo send farther reinforcements to Sicily. . .243-23?