As
if already convinced of his inferiority in the field, he took steps to
keep his communications open by sea, and with this object he employed
a part of his forces in fortifying the headland of Plemmyrium, which
commanded the entrance to the Great Harbour. Here he built three forts
which served as an arsenal for the Athenian stores; and henceforth
Plemmyrium became the chief station for his fleet. This removal had a
disastrous effect on the Athenian crews; for the place being almost a
desert, and the springs distant and scanty, they were compelled to go
far from their quarters in search of forage and water, and while thus
engaged they were cut off in great numbers by the Syracusan horse, who
had been posted at Polichne for this purpose. A rapid demoralization
of the crews was the consequence, and desertions became more frequent
every day.
Meanwhile the counterwall was advancing steadily up the hill, and
every day Gylippus drew up his army, to cover the operations of the
workmen. At last he determined to force on an engagement, and in the
first encounter the Syracusans, fighting in a confined space, which
prevented their cavalry from coming into action, suffered a defeat. In
no wise discouraged by this reverse, on the next day they took up a
position in the more open ground, and offered battle again.
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