Siegecraft - TerpConnect - University of Maryland

Parangelmata Poliorcetica
rations, and with certain very small amounts of food that is filling
and does not cause thirst, we also especially have provision
for artillery engines. And since those who are fully knowledgeable
about the details of siege warfare also know how to defend
against it correctly, and there is really one subject
of these two opposites, they will always live then without anxiety,
being able to mount or break a siege through the mechanical
preparations, minimum daily food, and a common regimen completely
in good order. And in opposition to those who write at
length and spend time on unnecessary words, speaking in a flowery
manner to the adornment of empty phrases that describe inanimate
objects and praise or censure living creatures, not appropriately,
to stress their own learning, the Indian Kalanos has
not unfairly said: “we are not like the philosophers of the Hellenes,
among whom many and awesome words are lavished on small
and simple things; for we are accustomed to recommend the
least and simplest about those things that are the greatest and
most important to life, as this is the easiest way for all to remember
them.”
4. The most competent military commander, kept safe by Providence
above because of his piety, and obedient to the command
and judgment and good counsel of our most divine emperors,
when he is about to besiege the enemy and rebels, must first, by
going about , precisely observe the position of the
cities; and having provided for the secure protection of his own
[ 35 ]