Kitap fragments
9
The strongest fortifications are in general dangerous to both sides; which may be illustrated from what occurs in the case of citadels. These last are regarded as contributing greatly to the security of the cities in which they stand, and to the protection of their freedom; but they often turn out to be the origin of slavery and indisputable misfortunes.Polybius is perhaps referring to the Acrocorinthus especially. But we must remember that many of the citadels in the third century B.C. were in the hands of Macedonian garrisons.
10
Some few approved of his doing so, but the majority objected, saying, some that it was folly, and others that it was madness for a man thus to risk and hazard his life, who was quite unacquainted with the kind of fighting in use among these barbarians.This has been referred by some to the account of Scipio Aemilianus’s single combat with the Spaniard. See 35, 5.
11
Secure retreat in case disaster fall.
11
One ought always to keep this line in mind. From failing to do so Lucius the RomanPerhaps L. Postumius, Livy, 23, 24 (Hultsch). met with a grave disaster. So narrow is the risk of destruction to the most powerful forces when the leaders are unwise. A sufficient illustration to thoughtful men is furnished by the headstrong invasion of Argos by Pyrrhus king of the Epirotes,B.C. 272. Plutarch, Pyrrh. 31-34. and the expedition through Thrace of king Lysimachus against Dorimichaites, king of Odrysae;See Pausan. i. 9, 6. His disaster compelled him to give up his dominions beyond the Danube. Another and more successful war in Thrace seems referred to in Diod. Sic. 18, 14. and indeed many other similar cases.
12
Marcellus never once conquered Hannibal, who in fact remained unbeaten until Scipio’s victory.Livy, however, records more than one success of Marcellus against Hannibal, see 23, 16, 46; 27, 14. Scipio’s victory of course is at Zama.
