| Chapter # | Sentence # | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 11 | View more quotes about first">First, as they could easily pass as wall blocks, attention was diverted from their true purpose. |
| Chapter # | Sentence # | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| 41 | 8 | This tactic, plausible and attractive in theory, had proved costly in practice. |
| 41 | 9 | The quarried stone from Pylos, serving as ammunitions for the three catapults of the enemy, each block being of approximately the same size and weight, was theoretically ideal for the use of this tactic. |
| 41 | 10 | Indeed, it seemed likely to me that the blocks, which were larger and heavier than the blocks commonly used in constructing walls, to the annoyance of Thurnock, Clitus, and myself in Sybaris, had been designed with three characteristics in mind. |
| 41 | 11 | First, as they could easily pass as wall blocks, attention was diverted from their true purpose. |
| 41 | 12 | Second, they were of an ideal size and weight, if not shape, for use with heavy siege engines. |
| 41 | 13 | Thirdly, their conformities standardized them for ammunition, which makes it easier for the catapult engineers to calculate and adjust parameters of angle and force. |
| 41 | 14 | Wherein then did theory encounter fact to its disappointment? The tactic in question works best with well-constructed, well-tested equipment, utilized by experienced, muchly practiced engineers, or "gunners," in conjunction with skilled, well-trained, well-disciplined troops. |