Nicias was mad at the new general, because he had led them into defeat. They all but Nicias decided to flee the place, it being unwholesome, many of the of the men being sick. When they were defeated again, Nicias was won over, and made ready to leave. Just as all was ready, an eclipse occurred. This scared the Athenians, because they had neglected the study of the stars and planets, despising all who studied them. Really, it was a good thing, since they had to work in darkness, but they did not take advantage of it. They were defeated trying to sail away, and were trapped. They are not in a good position.
The Athenians were defeated because they were in big ships. They were also in a difficult position, because rocks were thrown at them, but they could only shoot darts and arrows back. Darts and arrows don't fly true when they are shot in ships. Does this recall to mind any other defeat in history? I think of the Spanish Armanda, with the English being able to defeat them because of the mobility of their ships.
More later,
Bell
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