The
whole Athenian army then marched up to the counterwall and stockade,
which they speedily demolished, carrying off the materials for their
own use.
Wishing to prevent any second attempt on the part of the Syracusans to
cut them off from the southern slope of Epipolae, the Athenian
generals now fortified that part of the cliff which looks towards the
Great Harbour. By occupying this point they obtained a new centre,
commanding the space between the Circle and the southern edge of the
cliff, and placing them in communication with the level valley of the
Anapus, across which they had to carry their line of blockade. For the
present building operations were suspended on the northern side of the
Circle, as they wished first of all to complete the investment of
Syracuse towards the south.
Perceiving their intention, the Syracusans began a second counterwork,
consisting of a stockade and ditch, which started at the point of
junction between the old city-wall and the new, and ran across the low
swampy ground as far as the Anapus. Thus the Athenians were confronted
by a new obstacle, which had to be removed, before they could make any
further progress. Acting with energy and decision, they sent orders to
the fleet, which was still lying at Thapsus, to sail round into the
Great Harbour; and without waiting for its arrival, before daybreak
Lamachus led his troops down the cliff, and advanced against the
stockade.
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