War and Peace
‹ 7 · Outline · 9 ›
8.Accounts of particular wars and battles
8a.Ancient wars of Greece and Rome
See also: National Character 6a · Courage 8b
Sophocles, AntigoneVol. 8
- p. 255–259Chorus celebrates the repulse of the Argive host attacking Thebes, describing battle, Ares and the seven gates.read · scan
- p. 260Victory has come to Thebes after the wars; the chorus bids forgetfulness and celebration.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 48–50Sesostris conquers nations from the Arabian gulf to Scythia and Thrace, setting up commemorative pillars of victory.read · scan
- p. 69Sabacos invades Egypt with a great host and the blind king flees to the fens.read · scan
- p. 78–79Psammetichos besieges Azotos for nearly thirty years, and Necos wins battles against the Syrians.read · scan
- p. 81Apries' expeditions against Sidon, Tyre and Kyrene; the disastrous campaign triggers revolt.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, On FriendshipVol. 9
- p. 12He overthrew two enemy cities, ending present wars and preventing future ones.read · scan
Marcus Tullius Cicero, Letters of CiceroVol. 9
- p. 113–114The British expedition gives no cause for fear or exultation.read · scan
- p. 147Threat of Parthian war, Cicero's anxiety, and allied forces of Deiotarus to hold until Pompey arrives.read · scan
- p. 160–161The severance of the Pompey–Caesar union, he foresaw, would provoke civil war.read · scan
- p. 180Urges Brutus to bring his army to Italy quickly; the moment for victory is pressing.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 287Scenes of the Sabine war and its peace sealed by sacrifice, and Rome's defense against Porsena and the Gauls.read · scan
Plutarch, ThemistoclesVol. 12
- p. 12–13Persian advance, Greek allies neglecting Athens, and the decision to abandon the city for the ships.read · scan
- p. 33The Persian king prepares war on the Greeks after the Egyptian revolt and summons Themistocles to command.read · scan
Plutarch, PericlesVol. 12
- p. 57–58Athenian fleet displays power in the Euxine; rivalry with Sparta played out in the holy war over Delphi.read · scan
- p. 62Samian revolt: Pericles wins a sea-fight and besieges them, but his departure allows Melissus to defeat the Athenians.read · scan
Plutarch, AristidesVol. 12
- p. 82Marathon: Persian landing, Athenian generals, battle against the barbarians and hurried return to defend the city.read · scan
- p. 86–87Aristides takes Psyttalea and kills the enemy; advises driving Xerxes out of Greece rather than cutting the bridge.read · scan
- p. 87Mardonius' defiance and offer of terms; Athens vows to war on the Persians as long as the sun runs its course.read · scan
- p. 88–89Mardonius invades again; Aristides seeks Spartan aid and is chosen general at Plataea with Pausanias against the vast Persian camp.read · scan
- p. 91Cavalry skirmish at Mount Cithaeron tests Greek strength before the great battle of Plataea.read · scan
- p. 92Mardonius, short of food, resolves to attack; Alexander of Macedon secretly warns Aristides and the Greeks array for battle.read · scan
- p. 93Armies shift wings to face chosen opponents; Mardonius and Pausanias counter-maneuver without engaging.read · scan
- p. 94Greek camp moves in disorder toward Plataea; Spartans left behind in confusion.read · scan
- p. 95Mardonius attacks the Greeks as they redeploy; disorder and forgotten signals delay assistance while Spartans endure arrows.read · scan
- p. 95Spartan phalanx and Persians fight hand to hand with spears, shields and swords.read · scan
- p. 96–97Athenians engage medizing Greeks, Spartans beat the Persians, Mardonius dies, and the camp is stormed with great slaughter.read · scan
- p. 98–99Aristides's decree levies spearmen, horse and ships from all Greece for war against the barbarians.read · scan
Plutarch, AlcibiadesVol. 12
- p. 111–112Battles at Potidaea and Delium provide the setting for their bravery.read · scan
- p. 118Alcibiades combines Peloponnesian states against Sparta at Mantinea, a political feat that removes danger from Athens' frontier.read · scan
- p. 120He urges a great fleet to conquer Sicily against Nicias' warning of the difficulty.read · scan
- p. 121The generals are given absolute power over preparation and conduct of the Sicilian war.read · scan
- p. 123–124Alcibiades presents plans for the campaign, opposed by Nicias, and takes Catana before being recalled.read · scan
- p. 128Alcibiades persuades Sparta to aid Chios and provokes revolt of Ionia against Athens.read · scan
- p. 133–135Spartan dispatch admits defeat; Alcibiades routs Pharnabazus and lays waste his province, forcing the Bithynians into alliance.read · scan
- p. 140He escorts the procession by land under army protection against Agis.read · scan
- p. 141Naval campaign, want of money and Antiochus's disobedience of orders lead to defeat.read · scan
- p. 141–143Lysander defeats Antiochus at sea; Alcibiades offers battle, then campaigns against Thracians with mercenaries.read · scan
- p. 143Athenian fleet, careless and undisciplined at Aegospotami, is destroyed by Lysander; prisoners killed, Athens taken and walls demolished.read · scan
Plutarch, CoriolanusVol. 12
- p. 148Battle against Tarquin and the Latins; Marcius wins his first crown.read · scan
- p. 152–154Corioli taken; Marcius hurries to aid the consul's army before battle.read · scan
- p. 154Battle against the Volscians, ending in rout and many killed or taken captive.read · scan
- p. 158Marcius raids the Antiates for corn and booty while others refused service.read · scan
- p. 165–166He resolves to raise the Volscians and neighbors in war against Rome.read · scan
- p. 167Exiled Marcius offers the Volscian Tullus his service and knowledge of Roman secrets to attack Rome.read · scan
- p. 168–169Marcius and Tullus deliberate on the prospects of a war.read · scan
- p. 171Marcius makes a sudden raid on Roman territory with volunteers, gaining vast booty and making the Volscians bolder.read · scan
- p. 172–173Marcius leads the Volscian army, takes Latin towns and Bola, and his renown spreads throughout Italy.read · scan
- p. 176–177Marcius offers only yield or fight; Romans resolve to defend the walls.read · scan
Plutarch, DemosthenesVol. 12
- p. 203–204Demosthenes stirs Athens against Philip, relieves Byzantium, builds a Greek league and its army, and seeks to draw in Thebes.read · scan
- p. 205–206Philip seizes Elatea; Athens is in consternation; alliance with Thebes forces Philip to sue for peace.read · scan
- p. 206–207Battle of Chaeronea; Philip's victory and his drunken exultation over the dead.read · scan
- p. 207–208Aftermath of Chaeronea; Persia funds Demosthenes to keep Philip occupied.read · scan
- p. 208–209Demosthenes rallies Greek cities against Macedon; Alexander crushes Thebes and demands the orators; Demades intercedes.read · scan
- p. 213After Alexander's death the Greeks revolt against Antipater, and Demosthenes persuades the cities to drive out the Macedonians.read · scan
Plutarch, CiceroVol. 12
- p. 230The plot escalates into open war, with Antonius sent to fight Catiline's army of twenty thousand.read · scan
- p. 235Catiline's followers desert him and he is destroyed in battle with Antonius.read · scan
- p. 249Cicero joins Pompey's camp in the civil war, gloomy himself but mocking the army's prospects and officers.read · scan
- p. 250–251After Pharsalia Cicero refuses command of the continuing war and is nearly killed by Pompey's friends.read · scan
Plutarch, CaesarVol. 12
- p. 276Caesar's Gaulish campaigns: eight hundred towns taken, three hundred states subdued, a million killed, surpassing all earlier Roman generals.read · scan
- p. 276Battles at Marseilles, Dyrrhachium, Britain and Africa illustrate soldierly devotion.read · scan
- p. 277–279Caesar's first Gaulish war against the Helvetians: a hard battle in which even women and children fought, then resettlement to bar the Germans.read · scan
- p. 279Caesar's second Gaulish war, defending Gauls against Ariovistus's Germans, ending in a great victory driving them to the Rhine.read · scan
- p. 280Caesar suppresses the Belgae revolt and is nearly overwhelmed by the Nervii, saved by personal valor and the tenth legion.read · scan
- p. 280–282Caesar's Gallic battle of desperate courage ends with enemy slaughtered; Rome decrees unprecedented fifteen days of thanksgiving for the victory.read · scan
- p. 283Caesar fights the Germans who crossed the Rhine and bridges the river in ten days to invade Germany.read · scan
- p. 283Caesar invades Germany and Britain, takes hostages and tribute, and extends Roman empire beyond the known world.read · scan
- p. 284Gauls revolt and besiege Roman camps; Caesar relieves Cicero's legion with a small force.read · scan
- p. 285A huge Gallic war breaks out in winter, with difficult terrain and money, seeming impracticable for Caesar.read · scan
- p. 286Caesar rapidly marches in winter, subdues towns and wins a complete victory over surrounding Gauls.read · scan
- p. 287Caesar besieges Alesia while besieged by a vast relieving army, defeats both and captures Vergentorix.read · scan
- p. 289–290Caesar's captain says the sword, not the senate, will give him longer command.read · scan
- p. 293Civil war between Caesar and Pompey; Rome's flight, Caesar's bloodless conquest of Italy in sixty days.read · scan
- p. 293–294Caesar offers peace negotiations, then presses campaign against Pompey's lieutenants in Spain.read · scan
- p. 296–297Caesar awaits reinforcements against Pompey, soldiers reproach him for risking his life.read · scan
- p. 297Caesar's near defeat at Dyrrhachium; soldiers rout, hardships of supply, and his judgment that Pompey lacked a general who knew victory.read · scan
- p. 298–299Pompey is goaded into offering battle at Pharsalia; Caesar's army recovers at Gomphi.read · scan
- p. 299–300Comparison of forces at Pharsalia; Caesar's soldiers demand immediate battle.read · scan
- p. 300–301Pharsalus: Caesar's cohorts rout Pompey's cavalry, flank the infantry, and Pompey flees.read · scan
- p. 303Caesar enters Egypt; Pothinus plots against him, prompting the Alexandrian war.read · scan
- p. 304Caesar's Alexandrian war: siege hardships, cut-off water, burning ships, narrow escapes and final victory over Achillas and the Egyptians.read · scan
- p. 305–306Caesar swiftly defeats Pharnaces at Zela, summed up in 'I came, saw, and conquered'.read · scan
- p. 306Caesar's African campaign against Cato, Scipio and Juba: hardship, supply shortages, reverses, and rallying a fleeing standard-bearer.read · scan
- p. 307Caesar's rapid victory at Thapsus, taking three camps and killing fifty thousand at small cost.read · scan
- p. 309Battle of Munda against Pompey's sons: Caesar rallies wavering troops and says he fought for his life for the first time.read · scan
Plutarch, AntonyVol. 12
- p. 323Antony's campaigns in Syria and Egypt: taking Pelusium, routing enemies and winning distinction as cavalry commander.read · scan
- p. 326Caesar marches into Italy and plans campaigns against Pompey's legions in Spain.read · scan
- p. 327–328Antony's leadership at Pharsalia, rallying fleeing troops and earning Caesar's trust as best officer.read · scan
- p. 336Battle of Philippi: Antony defeats Cassius, Brutus routs Caesar, then Brutus is beaten; both leaders die by suicide.read · scan
- p. 346–347Ventidius defeats the Parthians, avenging Crassus, and besieges Samosata; Antony makes terms with Antiochus.read · scan
- p. 349Antony musters vast forces against Parthia, but rushes the campaign to return to Cleopatra.read · scan
- p. 350Antony's campaign against the Parthians begins disastrously: he leaves his siege train behind and loses it, with heavy casualties.read · scan
- p. 358Antony takes the waterless mountain route; the Parthians pursue at night and attack the exhausted rear.read · scan
- p. 360The army repels the last Parthian attacks, crosses the Araxes into Armenia, and escapes the retreat.read · scan
- p. 361–362Antony's retreat from Parthia: losses to disease and winter, eighteen battles without lasting result for lack of cavalry, betrayal by Artavasdes.read · scan
- p. 362Median king seeks alliance against Phraates; Antony prepares to renew the Parthian war.read · scan
- p. 366Caesar alarmed by Antony's preparations; Antony's failure to press the war is judged a great oversight.read · scan
- p. 368–369Antony and Caesar's fleets, armies, vassal kings and imperial extents are enumerated for the coming war.read · scan
- p. 379Caesar marches on Alexandria; Antony sallies out and routes his horse, but a soldier deserts.read · scan
- p. 380His fleet goes over to Caesar, his horse deserts and his foot is defeated.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, ParadiseVol. 20
- p. 305–306Roman conquests over Gauls, Carthaginians and Hannibal, and Belisarius's arms given to Justinian.read · scan
Blaise Pascal, ThoughtsVol. 48
- p. 248The fourth king, richer and stronger, stirs up all his people against the Greeks.read · scan
- p. 249Great armies assemble and clash; victory makes troops insolent without lasting strength.read · scan
- p. 249Antiochus conquers cities and all yield to his will.read · scan
- p. 249Antiochus seeks Egypt by cunning because of Roman protection, then is stopped by Scipio.read · scan
John Dryden, All for Love; or, The World Well LostVol. 18
- p. 23–24Roman camp threatens Egypt; Antony's inaction and enemies' odd delay leave war asleep.read · scan
George Gordon, Lord Byron, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 812–814The glories of Marathon and Thermopylae are set against the present forgetting of the manly lesson of the Pyrrhic phalanx.read · scan
George Long, M. Aurelius AntoninusVol. 2
- p. 304Parthian and German wars, driving back barbarian invaders across the Danube.read · scan
- p. 306–307Germanic peoples defeated in battle; emperor died in camp.read · scan
John Henry Newman, The Idea of a UniversityVol. 28
- p. 40–41Athens went to war though peace suits a seat of commerce and arts.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, CharacterVol. 5
- p. 189Xenophon's Ten Thousand were equal to their exploit, a high-water mark of military history.read · scan
Edward Augustus Freeman, Race and LanguageVol. 28
- p. 266Conquest and the wandering of nations, such as the Goths' marches, formed the population.read · scan
William Thomson, Lord Kelvin, The TidesVol. 30
- p. 279Caesar's transports were damaged by a high tide during his expedition against the Britons.read · scan
8b.The Trojan war and its heroic sequels
See also: God 11a
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 35Nestor recounts the woes of the Trojan war, the slain heroes, nine years of siege, and the disordered return.read · scan
- p. 52–53The wooden horse stratagem brought death and doom to the Trojans.read · scan
- p. 111–112The song recounts the sack of Troy, the stratagem of the horse and Odysseus's fierce battle.read · scan
- p. 116Odysseus sacks Ismarus, slays its people and takes wives and goods; the Cicones' counterattack defeats his men.read · scan
- p. 132–133The Laestrygonians destroy the fleet with rocks; Odysseus cuts his cable and flees the slaughter.read · scan
- p. 157–158Account of the sack of Troy and the chances of war, in which Neoptolemus escaped unwounded.read · scan
- p. 183He would fight three hundred men with Athene's aid, recalling Troy.read · scan
- p. 251–252Odysseus foresaw that not all Achaeans would return safely from Troy against skilled Trojan fighters.read · scan
- p. 321Battle over Achilles' body; Greeks nearly flee until Nestor restrains them.read · scan
- p. 332–333Odysseus's small band arms and goes out to face the Ithacans in battle.read · scan
Aeschylus, AgamemnonVol. 8
- p. 7–8Watchman awaits the beacon announcing Troy's fall after ten years of war.read · scan
- p. 8–9Chorus recalls the thousand ships sent to Troy to avenge Paris's rapine, and the bloodshed the war will bring.read · scan
- p. 12–13The expedition to Troy and the risk of gales delaying the fleet.read · scan
- p. 19–21Clytemnestra pictures victors and captives at Troy, the mingled shout and moan, and warns conquerors against greed and impiety.read · scan
- p. 25–26Herald returns in the tenth year, spared by the spear.read · scan
- p. 26–28Agamemnon hewed down Troy's towers, altars and shrines with Zeus's axe.read · scan
- p. 28–29Herald recounts the hardships of the Trojan campaign and the Argive victory over Troy.read · scan
- p. 30Fleet of Greeks lost in storm after victory; corpses and shattered hulls.read · scan
- p. 37–38Fallen Ilion, smoke still rising, and the revenge taken for one woman's sake.read · scan
Herodotus, An Account of EgyptVol. 33
- p. 56–57The Greek army besieges Troy over Helen, though the Trojans truthfully said she was in Egypt.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 73Long labors in war by land and sea precede founding Rome; Juno recalls the Trojan war.read · scan
- p. 87The paintings show battles, deaths of Troilus and Hector, and the Greeks and Trojans in flight.read · scan
- p. 99Dido asks to hear the Grecian stratagems and the fatal issue of the war.read · scan
- p. 100Greek leaders pour into the town, kill the few awake and open the gates to their comrades.read · scan
- p. 109Troy burns amid shouts and clashing arms; Aeneas rushes out resolved to die fighting.read · scan
- p. 109–111Night street fighting in burning Troy; Trojans rush out and slaughter surprised Greeks amid confusion.read · scan
- p. 117Aeneas arms himself to rush back into the battle amid the burning city.read · scan
- p. 202Recalls Achilles routing the Trojans and Aeneas fighting with unequal force before Neptune saved him.read · scan
- p. 210Warrior souls and slain Trojan chiefs appear among the shades.read · scan
- p. 210Greek chiefs flee Aeneas's arms even as shades; Deiphobus recounts the fall of Troy.read · scan
- p. 239The theme of war engaging princes and peoples, disturbing peaceful Italy.read · scan
- p. 260Ausonian cities arm eagerly, forging weapons and abandoning the plow for war.read · scan
- p. 260Catalogue of Italian allies marching to Turnus' aid, with their arms and dress.read · scan
- p. 260Catalogue of Italian allied troops and their arms marching to Turnus' aid; multitudes compared to seas and harvests.read · scan
- p. 260Turnus in arms leads the troops of the Latin host.read · scan
- p. 270–282Evander promises allies against the Latians and prepares to aid Aeneas's war.read · scan
- p. 282Preparations for war, troops reviewed and fears of matrons at the approaching fight.read · scan
- p. 325Catalogue of the Tuscan leaders, ships and troops sailing to join Aeneas's war against Turnus.read · scan
- p. 325Nereids warn Aeneas of the besieged camp and urge him to arm for tomorrow's battle against Turnus.read · scan
- p. 325Aeneas and Turnus ready their forces for the landing battle, Turnus urging his men to seize the shore.read · scan
- p. 325Landing battle: Tarchon drives ships aground, and Aeneas slays many Latin fighters.read · scan
- p. 325Battle rages on the shore, armies evenly matched like contending winds; the Arcadians are routed.read · scan
- p. 325Pallas rallies his Arcadians and kills many foes; battle rage compared to a forest fire.read · scan
- p. 325Halesus, Lausus and Pallas fight in the press of battle; Turnus claims single combat with Pallas.read · scan
- p. 340Turnus chases the phantom while Aeneas hunts him and slaughters his troops.read · scan
- p. 344Mezentius renews the fight and kills several foes.read · scan
- p. 344Mezentius slays Evas, Mimas, Acron and Orodes in battle, compared to boar and lion.read · scan
- p. 344Catalogue of warriors slain on both sides in evenly balanced battle; Mezentius and Aeneas confront each other.read · scan
- p. 344Aeneas pierces Mezentius's shield and thigh, then slays Lausus.read · scan
- p. 350–353Single combat: horse struck down, Mezentius fallen, Aeneas the victor.read · scan
- p. 366Aeneas' army approaches; the city arms in confusion while the council breaks up and Turnus deploys forces.read · scan
- p. 366Cavalry clash, with charges, flight and rallying, slaughter and shifting fortunes of Tuscans and Latins.read · scan
- p. 366Camilla's onslaught kills many Trojan and Tuscan warriors in battle.read · scan
- p. 366Camilla slays Butes and Orsilochus and outwits Aunus in combat.read · scan
- p. 381Battle turns as Tarchon rallies the Tuscans while Aruns stalks Camilla.read · scan
- p. 383The Volscians, losing their leader, flee to the town in rout.read · scan
- p. 383Rout of the Volscians, crowding at the gates, slaughter, and both armies converging on the city by nightfall.read · scan
- p. 389Slaughter at the altars; Aeneas appeals to stop breaking the peace, then is wounded and Turnus drives through the field.read · scan
- p. 389Turnus's battlefield slaughter of many Trojan warriors, described in detail.read · scan
- p. 389The battle approaches the camp, spreading terror.read · scan
- p. 389Aeneas arms and leads the Trojan host into battle; armies clash and Latins tremble.read · scan
- p. 406Turnus and Aeneas rage through the field killing many warriors in fierce, equal combat.read · scan
- p. 412Single combat continues; Turnus's sword shatters and Aeneas pursues him around the lists.read · scan
- p. 412The rival chiefs renew combat, trusting sword and lance.read · scan
- p. 412The duel of Aeneas and Turnus nears its climax, with the spear about to strike.read · scan
- p. 412Aeneas's spear wounds Turnus, who lies defeated; the duel ends with the sword thrust.read · scan
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Prologue to the Canterbury Tales; The Nun's Priest's TaleVol. 40
- p. 48Epic comparisons to the fall of Troy, burning of Carthage and Nero's Rome amplify the hens' cries.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of DenmarkVol. 46
- p. 136–137Speech depicts Pyrrhus bloody with the slaughter of fathers, mothers, children in Troy's sack.read · scan
- p. 138Pyrrhus's sword falls on old Priam amid Troy's fall, vengeance pausing then striking like thunder.read · scan
Friedrich von Schiller, Letters upon the Aesthetic Education of ManVol. 32
- p. 291Trojan blind force contrasted with the Greeks' measured, silent advance as triumph of form and law.read · scan
George Darley, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 913–914Helen's beauty cost Greece and Ilium; cheeks lure youth to fields of blood.read · scan
8c.Medieval and chivalric battles
See also: Chivalry 3b · Honor 5b · Courage 8a · Prudence 6c
BeowulfVol. 49
- p. 32–34The Frisian feud slaughters both sides, leaving Finn unable to fight Hengest.read · scan
- p. 37–38Guthlaf and Oslaf return, storm Finn's stronghold, slay him and carry off the queen and treasure, avenging the earlier attack.read · scan
- p. 70–72After Hrethel's death, war breaks out between Swedes and Geats; feud and vengeance follow.read · scan
- p. 84–85The messenger recounts the feuds between Geats, Swedes and Franks, with battles at Ravenswood and Hygelac's rescue and victory over Ongentheow.read · scan
The Song of RolandVol. 49
- p. 95–96Charlemagne has conquered Spain for seven years except Saragossa; Marsil, besieged, seeks a way to buy peace.read · scan
- p. 107–108Roland's conquests and gift-giving win Franks' loyalty; Karl's ultimatum delivered to Marsil.read · scan
- p. 114–115Marsil vows to meet Roland in mortal fight; Karl returns homeward awaiting Spain's tribute.read · scan
- p. 119–121Preparations for battle: arming, assigning rear-guard and scouts as the army marches through Roncesvalles.read · scan
- p. 121–122Marsil musters four hundred thousand and chooses twelve champions to strike at Roland and the rear-guard.read · scan
- p. 123–124Saracen champions vow before Marsil to slay Roland and destroy the Franks at Roncesvalles.read · scan
- p. 124–125More pagan champions swear to slay Roland and Olivier, and Marsil musters a hundred thousand spears.read · scan
- p. 126The Saracens arm with fine hauberks and blades, clarions sound, and Olivier warns that battle is at hand.read · scan
- p. 127–128Olivier sees the vast Saracen host arrayed and the Franks few.read · scan
- p. 129–130Pagans ride near and the rear-guard stands to fight to the death.read · scan
- p. 130–131The armies close in battle; Roland rallies his barons and the Franks charge with the cry Montjoie.read · scan
- p. 132–133First combats: Roland kills Aelroth and Olivier kills Falsaron as battle joins.read · scan
- p. 133–135Battle rages: Turpin, Gerein, Gerier, Samson and Anseis each slay a Saracen champion.read · scan
- p. 135–136Frankish knights Engelier, Otho, Berengier and Roland slay Saracen champions one after another in the battle's opening clashes.read · scan
- p. 137–138Olivier, Roland, Turpin and others cut down Saracens in furious combat; Franks lose youth who will not see mother or spouse.read · scan
- p. 139–140Walter's force is overwhelmed by Almaris's sixty thousand at the pass; Franks fight on, slaughtering heathen hundreds.read · scan
- p. 140–142The Franks rout the heathen host of a hundred thousand, then seek their dead; Margaris alone flees to Marsil.read · scan
- p. 142–143Marsil marshals twenty battalions with seven thousand trumpets; the outnumbered Franks prepare for battle.read · scan
- p. 144–145Climorin and Valdabrun kill Franks, Olivier and Roland avenge them in the continuing battle.read · scan
- p. 145–147Roland, Turpin and heathen champions trade deadly blows, and Franks lament their falling peers.read · scan
- p. 147–148Roland slays Grandonie and the Franks pursue and cleave the fleeing Saracen host to Marsil's line.read · scan
- p. 148–149Marsil's vanguard under Abime attacks; Turpin kills him and Roland and Olivier resolve to aid the archbishop.read · scan
- p. 150–151Franks reduced to three hundred blades; Marsil rallies Saracens, fearing that if Roland lives all are undone.read · scan
- p. 151–153Only sixty Franks survive after slaughtering four thousand; Roland weighs how to summon Karl.read · scan
- p. 153–154Roland sounds the horn to summon Karl's army back to avenge the fallen Franks.read · scan
- p. 155–156The Franks arm and ride hard to reach Roland's battle, the army pressing on in dread of arriving too late.read · scan
- p. 156–157Roland rallies and slays heathens in battle; Marsil loses his hand and the pagan host flees.read · scan
- p. 158–159A fresh pagan host attacks; Olivier is wounded and kills the Algalif in return.read · scan
- p. 163–164Roland, Walter and Turpin fight on against thousands; the Saracens hurl missiles from a distance.read · scan
- p. 165–166The heathens fear Charlemagne's trumpets, attack Roland with missiles and flee.read · scan
- p. 169–171A Saracen feigning death rises to plunder Roland's sword and is struck down.read · scan
- p. 174–175Battlefield strewn with the slain; Charlemagne resolves to pursue and avenge the defeat on the heathen host.read · scan
- p. 176–177Franks rout the heathens, who drown in the Ebro weighed down by armor; spoil is won.read · scan
- p. 180–182Karl foresees enemies rising against a France bereft of its champion.read · scan
- p. 194–195Charlemagne's vengeance is satisfied and his wrath subsides, then he is summoned to march against the heathen siege; he laments his life of toil.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, HellVol. 20
- p. 42–43The battle of Arbia's slaughter and the Ghibelline council's plan to raze Florence.read · scan
- p. 127Orlando's horn at the rout of Charlemagne's host is compared to the blast.read · scan
Dante Alighieri, PurgatoryVol. 20
- p. 162Buonconte was wounded and fled from Campaldino battle field.read · scan
- p. 195Sapia rejoices at the rout of her fellow citizens in battle at Colle.read · scan
Jean Froissart, The Chronicles of FroissartVol. 35
- p. 7Edward III musters a great army and navy at Hampton for the invasion of France, appointing wardens to defend the realm in his absence.read · scan
- p. 8Harcourt persuades Edward to invade unprepared Normandy rather than Gascony, promising easy conquest and plunder.read · scan
- p. 9Philip sends the constable to defend Caen while Edward lands and arranges his host in three battles.read · scan
- p. 11Philip gathers the largest army seen in France in a century, vowing to avenge Normandy's devastation.read · scan
- p. 13The English approach Caen while the French constable organizes its defence and the townsmen insist on sallying out.read · scan
- p. 14English attack routs the Caen defenders, who flee in disorder at the sight of archers; the English slay many without mercy.read · scan
- p. 19Armies manoeuvre at the Somme; the English marshals probe for a crossing while the French hold the bridges to stop or starve the English.read · scan
- p. 20The English seek a crossing of the Somme, storm a town, and take counsel while the French king pursues with a vast host.read · scan
- p. 21–22The English force the ford of Blanche-taque against the French garrison under Godemar du Fay.read · scan
- p. 22English archers overcome the Genoese crossbows and French defenders, force the passage, and pursue the routed French; King Philip is forced back to Abbeville.read · scan
- p. 23After crossing, the English burn Crotoy, seize wine and choose ground at Cressy to await the larger French army.read · scan
- p. 24Edward draws up three battles, a park for the baggage, and lists archers and men-at-arms on the eve of Crecy.read · scan
- p. 24–25The English rest and array before Crecy while the French king sends knights to scout the English host.read · scan
- p. 26–27The French advance on Crecy in disorder while the English calmly rise and arrange their battles.read · scan
- p. 27The battle of Crecy opens: weary Genoese crossbowmen are shot down by English archers amid disorder and a storm.read · scan
- p. 27–28French knights cut down their own Genoese, arrows and English knifemen slay the fallen, and the melee of Crecy grows.read · scan
- p. 29The prince's battle is hard pressed and sends to the king for aid; the second battle comes to succour it.read · scan
- p. 30–31Battle of Crecy's close: French lords slain under their banners, the king driven from the field by English power.read · scan
- p. 35Skirmishing of scouts before Poitiers; English lack forage, take prisoners, and learn the French king cannot avoid battle.read · scan
- p. 35–36Both hosts array for Poitiers; the French king organizes three battles and the prince plans to fight to advantage.read · scan
- p. 36–38Scouts report the strong English position behind hedges; the king adopts a plan of dismounted men and picked horsemen.read · scan
- p. 42The prince faces a vastly larger French army after the cardinal's failed peace mission and rallies his men for battle.read · scan
- p. 42–44Description of the battle's opening: English archers in the hedges break the French marshals' cavalry charge.read · scan
- p. 44–45French battles are discomfited by archers and English advance; the prince presses on to the French king's battle.read · scan
- p. 46The English rout the Almain battle and the constable's division; the duke of Normandy's battle leaves the field.read · scan
- p. 47Catalogue of French and allied lords in the king's battle as the fight is joined.read · scan
- p. 47Outcome of the battle: many French lords slain or taken, over two hundred knights lost.read · scan
- p. 48Single combats in the flight and pursuit after the battle, with knights yielding to each other.read · scan
- p. 48–50Battle of Poitiers is described as great and perilous, with King John fighting with an axe and many nobles taken.read · scan
- p. 50–51The French king is pressed to yield in the melee and surrenders to Denis of Morbeke.read · scan
- p. 51The battle ends; the prince rests while the French king is sought and captured, and English quarrel over who took him.read · scan
- p. 54Account of the English victory at Poitiers, French losses, prisoners taken and ransomed, and spoils won.read · scan
- p. 82Daily skirmishes at the barriers with feats of arms between Scots and English.read · scan
- p. 83Scots storm castles, burn Pontland and camp fortified in the marsh.read · scan
- p. 85Percy leads a night attack on the Scots' camp at Otterburn, hitting only servants' lodgings while Scots arm.read · scan
- p. 86–87Night battle at Otterburn as the Scots ambush from behind the hill and the cries of Percy and Douglas clash.read · scan
- p. 87–88English and Scots fight fiercely without sparing, then ransom prisoners and part courteously.read · scan
- p. 88Vivid account of hand-to-hand night battle between Scots and English at Otterburn, with Douglas's fall.read · scan
- p. 88–89Continuing battle of Otterburn; Percy is wounded and captured by Maxwell amid confused night fighting.read · scan
- p. 90Wounded Douglas lies in the press while followers fight to defend him at Otterburn.read · scan
- p. 90–91Douglas's banner is raised, rallying the Scots who drive back the exhausted English and take Percy prisoner.read · scan
- p. 91–92Roll of Scottish and English knights who fought; Scots win despite being outnumbered and many English are taken.read · scan
- p. 93After victory the Scots treat prisoners courteously for ransom; the bishop of Durham's relief force meets fleeing English.read · scan
- p. 94The bishop of Durham withdraws to Newcastle after the English defeat; Froissart notes disunity and panic lost the battle.read · scan
- p. 94Single combat in flight: Lindsay chases Redman, fights him with axe and sword until Redman yields.read · scan
- p. 96Scots post scouts against a Newcastle force; the bishop of Durham gathers ten thousand men to attack Otterburn.read · scan
- p. 97Scots choose strong ground and make a frightening noise with horns; the bishop's larger force declines to attack.read · scan
- p. 98–99Aftermath: English withdraw, Scots depart, prisoners and casualties are tallied at Otterburn 1388.read · scan
- p. 99–100After Otterburn the Scots bury Douglas, depart with prisoners, and ransom them courteously; aftermath of battle and chivalric conduct toward captives.read · scan
- p. 100Scots ransom prisoners after Otterburn; the French king marches an army into Almaine to punish the duke of Gueldres.read · scan
Traditional BalladsVol. 40
- p. 87–89Douglas raids England, burning dales and towers, and defeats Piercy in combat, opening the Otterburn campaign.read · scan
- p. 89–91Douglas and Piercy's armies meet at Otterburn; swords clash and blood flows in battle.read · scan
- p. 91–93Earl Percy hunts in Scottish woods against Douglas's wishes, setting up the Chevy Chase conflict.read · scan
- p. 94–96Percy's hunting party of bowmen meets Douglas's Scottish spearmen and the two sides prepare for battle.read · scan
- p. 96–98The battle is gruesomely described: archers, splintering spears, blood like water, and the two earls' duel.read · scan
Michael Drayton, Agincourt; To the Virginian Voyage; Love's FarewellVol. 40
- p. 222–225Narrates Henry V's landing in France and the battle of Agincourt, with archers and swordplay routing the French.read · scan
- p. 225–228Catalogs English nobles fighting fiercely at Agincourt and slaughtering the foe.read · scan
Christopher Marlowe, Edward the SecondVol. 46
- p. 35–38The Scots' mocking jig recalls the defeat at Bannockburn; Lancaster and Mortimer threaten war.read · scan
- p. 50–52Edward vows fire and sword against the rebel barons and marches to battle.read · scan
- p. 52–54King and barons fight at Boroughbridge; Edward's forces win and take the barons captive.read · scan
- p. 59–60Report that the queen and Mortimer intend to give the king battle in England.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King LearVol. 46
- p. 277–278French army landed; Lear's party goes to Dover to meet armed friends.read · scan
- p. 284France's banners spread in the land; Goneril demands Albany's drum.read · scan
- p. 289–291Troops set forth; Goneril is called the better soldier.read · scan
- p. 293–296Lear fantasizes about killing his sons-in-law; Edgar asks about the approaching battle.read · scan
- p. 301–303Kent and the gentleman speak of the coming bloody battle and the powers approaching.read · scan
- p. 304–306Armies drawn up before battle; Lear and Cordelia lose and are captured.read · scan
William Shakespeare, The Tragedy of MacbethVol. 46
- p. 321–322A bleeding captain reports the battle against Macdonwald's rebels and the Norwegians, with Macbeth's valor.read · scan
- p. 363–365Macduff seeks English aid from Siward and Northumberland; Macbeth prepares for war.read · scan
- p. 382–383English and Scottish forces march to meet Macbeth at Birnam, burning for revenge.read · scan
- p. 385–387Macbeth prepares for the English attack, scouring the country and demanding armour.read · scan
- p. 390–391Battle at Dunsinane: Macduff hunts Macbeth, the castle is rendered, and Malcolm's side wins the day.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 472–474Battle exhortation before Edward's army at Bannockburn.read · scan
James Hogg, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 768–769Border battle described: bugles, shouts, shattered lances and armor, the English host wanes before the Scots.read · scan
Thomas Carlyle, Inaugural Address at EdinburghVol. 25
- p. 367–368Thirty thousand armed Scots encamped at Dunse Hill at the crisis.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 345Norman conquest and Danish invasions drained Norway; English later bombarded Copenhagen and seized the Danish fleet.read · scan
Matthew Arnold, The Study of PoetryVol. 28
- p. 69–70Roland dying on the field facing the enemy, and Taillefer singing before the Norman army.read · scan
Edward Augustus Freeman, Race and LanguageVol. 28
- p. 227Recalls Nikopolis, Varna and Belgrade repelling Mahomet, contrasting old enmity with modern embrace.read · scan
- p. 254Conquest shaped allegiances: Normans conquered England, then continental Normandy was conquered by France.read · scan
- p. 266–267Invasions by Huns, Magyars and Ottoman Turks passed through the West but settled in the East.read · scan
- p. 269Boundaries between Ottoman and Austrian lands were fixed by right of the strongest and a century of warfare.read · scan
8d.Modern wars and the American conflicts
See also: Courage 8d · Judgment 7e · Taxation 4a · Revolution 6c
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 401–402Ala-ed-Din leads the army, routs the Sultan's enemies and returns to a triumphant victory celebration.read · scan
Niccolò Machiavelli, The PrinceVol. 36
- p. 8Milan's loss and recapture by armies of the French and Sforza.read · scan
- p. 12–13Louis's campaigns in Lombardy and Italy and shifting alliances.read · scan
Benvenuto Cellini, The Autobiography of Benvenuto CelliniVol. 31
- p. 68Europe is at war; Bourbon's army marches on Rome and Cellini enlists fifty young men to guard a palace.read · scan
- p. 69Cellini observes the assault on Rome's walls and fires on the besiegers, unknowingly killing the Constable of Bourbon.read · scan
- p. 70The sack of Rome: defenders flee to the castle, generals slaughter those abandoning the walls, the Pope takes refuge.read · scan
- p. 70Cellini's artillery kills many of the enemy and saves the castle, taking pleasure in the profession of arms.read · scan
- p. 70–72Cellini fires from the castle during the month's siege and is struck by a cannon shot.read · scan
- p. 73The besieged castle signals with beacons and cannon fire to the relieving Duke of Urbino; Cellini fires by day on the enemy.read · scan
- p. 73Cellini fires his cannon at a tavern sign at a general's urging, nearly killing two cardinals, then prepares to defend himself.read · scan
- p. 73–75Cellini as artilleryman during the siege of Rome kills enemy soldiers daily, including a spectacular long-range shot cutting a Spaniard in two.read · scan
- p. 75–77Cellini describes his cunning gunnery against the besiegers, slaughtering thirty men with one blast and forcing enemy troops to march a longer route.read · scan
- p. 78Cellini fires improvised missiles into enemy trenches and picks off a rider on a mule during the siege.read · scan
- p. 78–79Cellini's shot wounds the Prince of Orange; the Pope plans to kill the generals but Cardinal Orsini forbids it, citing negotiations and fear of storming.read · scan
- p. 204He recalls the sack of Rome and his gunnery defending the castle against the Imperial troops.read · scan
- p. 204–207He recounts defending Sant' Angelo, shooting Iscatinaro and wounding the Prince of Orange.read · scan
Ambroise Paré, Journeys in Diverse PlacesVol. 38
- p. 16–17Camp broken up by plague and storm; armies face each other at Landrecies, and foolish gentlemen approaching the enemy are shot.read · scan
- p. 18–19Paré describes the vast army mustered by King Henry II in 1552, its regiments and nobility, and the campaign's hardships.read · scan
- p. 23The Emperor besieges Metz with over 120,000 men in winter, and princes defend it with frequent sallies.read · scan
- p. 24The besieging camp's fires surround the town as though the earth were burning.read · scan
- p. 26Vivid description of sallies from Metz, enemy alarm and cannonfire, with soldiers dying and wounded horses eaten.read · scan
- p. 30–31The Emperor abandons the siege of Metz after de Guise's show of desperation, plague, want and desertions.read · scan
- p. 31The Imperial army retreats from Metz, leaving artillery, dead and sick, after a two-month siege.read · scan
Michel de Montaigne, Of BookesVol. 32
- p. 98Valuable for particular accounts of battles and exploits witnessed by these gentlemen.read · scan
Miguel de Cervantes, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, Part IVol. 14
- p. 427Captivity after Lepanto and Goleta; the soldier's career of valour and misfortune.read · scan
Izaak Walton, The Life of Mr. George HerbertVol. 15
- p. 374–375Richard and William died officers in the Low Countries wars; Thomas showed English valour against Algiers.read · scan
Sir Henry Vane, A Healing QuestionVol. 43
- p. 119–120The party fought a war when other means failed and God made them conquerors of the common enemy.read · scan
Voltaire, Letters on the EnglishVol. 34
- p. 147Hudibras concerns the Civil War and rebellion.read · scan
Benjamin Franklin, His AutobiographyVol. 1
- p. 127War with France begins and Massachusetts seeks aid for an attack on Crown Point.read · scan
- p. 128Provisions are voted for the New England expedition against the French.read · scan
- p. 128–129General Braddock's expedition is stalled for lack of waggons; officers exclaim against ministers for landing troops in a country without transport.read · scan
- p. 129–130Franklin contracts waggons and horses for Braddock's army, setting terms of hire, forage and exemption of drivers from soldiering.read · scan
- p. 131Threat of armed seizure of carriages and horses by soldiers is offered as alternative to voluntary hire.read · scan
- p. 132–133Supplies for the officers on a long march through wilderness before Braddock's defeat.read · scan
- p. 134–135Braddock's army is ambushed and routed; Dunbar flees after destroying stores, undermining faith in British regulars.read · scan
- p. 137–138Franklin cautions against premature rejoicing because the events of war are uncertain; the defeat of Braddock frames the defense dispute.read · scan
- p. 140Marching, building a palisaded fort, and the massacre of farmers with wet-primed guns show frontier warfare.read · scan
- p. 145–146After Braddock's defeat the governor consults Franklin on protecting the back counties and offers him command against Fort Duquesne.read · scan
- p. 152–153Loudoun's aborted Louisburg expedition and sham attacks leave Fort George lost and the garrison massacred.read · scan
- p. 153–154Loudoun's 1757 campaign was frivolous and disgraceful, leaving the colonies exposed.read · scan
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, EgmontVol. 19
- p. 255Ruysum recalls his last battle at St. Quintin and his wound.read · scan
- p. 255–256Buyck boastfully recounts the victory at Gravelines, the battle on the sands and the peace it won from France.read · scan
- p. 269–270News of insurrection in Flanders, garrisoned castle and Clara's childhood picture of a battle at Gravelines.read · scan
Robert Burns, Poems and SongsVol. 6
- p. 50–52Satirical ballad of the American war: battles, generals and defeats from Montgomery to Cornwallis.read · scan
- p. 356–358Sherramuir ballad describes the bloody battle, clans and redcoats slashing, and a soldier's fear at the fighting.read · scan
- p. 358–360Sherramuir and Killiecrankie battles recounted: charges, flight, slain gentlemen, conflicting reports of who won.read · scan
Alessandro Manzoni, I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)Vol. 21
- p. 466–467Armies withdraw and advance, Ferdinand's forces threaten Milan, and plague is feared in the German troops.read · scan
William Cullen Bryant, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1217–1219Marion's guerrilla band ambushes British soldiers from the forest, then rests, sharing the spoils of battle.read · scan
Thomas Babington Macaulay, MachiavelliVol. 27
- p. 387Charles VIII's invasion changed Italian politics, ending independent state system through foreign influence.read · scan
Thomas Babington Macaulay, PoemsVol. 41
- p. 915England prepares against the Spanish Armada, sounding alarms and raising the standard.read · scan
- p. 916Beacon fires spread across England rousing men to arms against the approaching Armada.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, English TraitsVol. 5
- p. 360–361English coalitions repeatedly renewed until Bonaparte was overthrown.read · scan
Ralph Waldo Emerson, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1243–1246Concord battle hymn: embattled farmers fired the shot heard round the world; heroes died to leave children free.read · scan
John Stuart Mill, AutobiographyVol. 25
- p. 164American civil war seen as a turning point of human affairs, whose thorough Northern victory would end slavery.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1294–1296Paul Revere's signal and the British grenadiers marching to their boats, preparing the alarm.read · scan
- p. 1296–1297Revere awaits the lantern signal of the British advance and rides to rouse the countryside to arms.read · scan
- p. 1297–1299Revere's ride to Lexington and Concord; the farmers fight the British Regulars from behind walls.read · scan
John Greenleaf Whittier, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1360–1363The siege of Lucknow and the relief by Havelock's Highlanders, heard first by the pipes.read · scan
- p. 1363–1364Confederate army marches into Frederick; ending with hope for peace and order.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 145Blockade of the city, rebel encampments, sentinels and soldiers; passage obtained by appeal to Rosas's name.read · scan
- p. 145The warfare was protracted, with a blockade and slight skirmishing, until word arrived from Rosas; rebels were paid for their services.read · scan
- p. 148–149The Brazilian war ruined the country chiefly by multiplying generals who like power and skirmishing; town fortifications damaged.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Emancipation ProclamationVol. 43
- p. 323Emancipation is issued as a war measure to suppress armed rebellion by the commander-in-chief.read · scan
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Gettysburg AddressVol. 43
- p. 415Civil war tests whether the nation can endure; the battlefield is dedicated to those who died.read · scan
Richard Henry Dana, Jr., Twenty-Four Years AfterVol. 23
- p. 393Don Andres fought Americans in 1846 and repulsed Kearney; the conquered Californians sit among their conquerors.read · scan
- p. 403–404The Alert is captured and burned by the Confederate cruiser Alabama; the owner laments a loss caused by the wicked acts of fellow countrymen.read · scan
- p. 404–405Crew taken prisoner by the Confederate cruiser Alabama, offered parole of honor, ship burned; the seizure becomes the Alabama Claims.read · scan
James Russell Lowell, Abraham LincolnVol. 28
- p. 429Holiday enthusiasm at war's outset must be followed by a reaction and slackening of public spirit.read · scan
- p. 430Doubts whether the Free States could sustain war without hatred or plunder, with untrained officers, empty treasury and no navy.read · scan
- p. 431Civil war's vast problem and uncontrollable contingencies tested belief in democratic government.read · scan
- p. 442The war was for preserving national power, with emancipation accepted as a necessity.read · scan
- p. 444Public efforts to obscure the war's true origin and cause.read · scan
- p. 445War waged half as peace in hope of peace, mistaken as an abolition crusade.read · scan
Edward Augustus Freeman, Race and LanguageVol. 28
- p. 259Discontent on German frontiers results from recent conquest, not yet followed by assimilation.read · scan
- p. 262Albanians noble among the worthies of the Greek War of Independence.read · scan
Walter Bagehot, John MiltonVol. 28
- p. 188–189Valiant in winning fields, but victories were fruitless for lack of governing skill.read · scan
Christina Georgina Rossetti, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1181–1183Besieged by a howling mob in the Indian Mutiny, all hope is lost.read · scan
Frank Aretas Haskell, The Battle of GettysburgVol. 43
- p. 326Haskell introduces the battle of Gettysburg and the anxiety of the army facing the second Confederate invasion of the North.read · scan
- p. 327Considers the risk of the Army of the Potomac being overpowered by the assembled, victorious Rebel force.read · scan
- p. 327–328Describes the army's grueling marches toward Gettysburg through dust, mud and rain, and the movements of the corps.read · scan
- p. 328–329Meade resolves to seize strategically important Gettysburg as the army concentrates and enemy cavalry raids.read · scan
- p. 329–330Narrates the first day's fighting at Gettysburg as Union corps engage the enemy's advance and fall into peril.read · scan
- p. 330–331Recounts the First Corps' retreat, losses and casualties of the first day at Gettysburg and the march to the field.read · scan
- p. 331–332Hancock ordered to take command at Gettysburg, the Second Corps marches toward the sound of guns as battle opens.read · scan
- p. 332–333Battle narrative: generals' dispositions, soldiers sleeping before the fight, and stragglers' rumors of disaster before Gettysburg.read · scan
- p. 333Describes rallying routed corps on Cemetery Hill and positioning forces on the evening of July 1.read · scan
- p. 333–335Night before the great battle: Meade decides to concentrate the army at Gettysburg and the Second Corps marches at dawn.read · scan
- p. 335–336Describes the U-shaped line of battle, Round Top, Cemetery Ridge and roads, and the disposition of corps.read · scan
- p. 336–337Details posting of the Twelfth and Second Corps, brigade formations, and artillery batteries along the line.read · scan
- p. 337Positions of Third, Fifth and Sixth Corps, cavalry and artillery reserve, arranged so it can be sent anywhere on the line.read · scan
- p. 338Describes the terrain, ridges and fields between the armies and the readiness of the line for battle.read · scan
- p. 339Assesses the strong defensive position: breastworks, elevation, protected flanks, Meade's headquarters.read · scan
- p. 339–340Explains advantages of the convex line and crest for defense, and the final preparations of surgeons, ammunition and staffs.read · scan
- p. 341Skirmishing on the morning of July 2 as Confederate forces feel out the Union lines while concealed in woods.read · scan
- p. 341Skirmish at the farmhouse, reports of enemy strength and commanders, and the judgment that infantry must decide the battle.read · scan
- p. 341–344Describes the deployment of both armies before Gettysburg and the calm of veteran soldiers awaiting battle; laments that the world is unchristian.read · scan
- p. 344Third Corps' unauthorized movement brings on the battle; grave responsibility of commanders for men's lives.read · scan
- p. 345Describes the magnificent advance of the Third Corps and the supporting troop movements as the enemy threatens its flank.read · scan
- p. 345Artillery duels and the advance of Rebel infantry put the Third Corps in great peril as the battle opens.read · scan
- p. 345–348Depicts the battle's din and the Third Corps fighting for survival, with Sickles wounded and other units repositioned.read · scan
- p. 348The battle spreads to Round Top's woods as Fifth Corps and Second Corps units engage while the Third Corps is pressed back.read · scan
- p. 349–350Third Corps is swept from the field; reinforcements arrive and the Second Corps prepares to fight, repairing Sickles' blunder.read · scan
- p. 350–351Confederate assault reaches the Union crest; artillery and infantry open a continuous sheet of fire in full engagement.read · scan
- p. 351–352Terrific fire along the crest, heavy officer casualties, and a bayonet charge repelling the Rebel column.read · scan
- p. 352–353The great Rebel assault is repulsed and routed; prisoners, flags and guns captured as victory falls to the Union.read · scan
- p. 355Describes night fighting at Gettysburg, Ewell's flank assault on Culp's Hill, and the soldiers' high spirits; war will last until the millennium.read · scan
- p. 355Twelfth Corps returns to secure the right flank; the enemy's futile night attacks against fortified works are repulsed with heavy loss.read · scan
- p. 355–357Night fighting ends, enemy dead lie thick, and Meade calls a council of war on the battlefield.read · scan
- p. 361–362Dawn fighting on the right as Geary attacks to retake works; Ewell's storming parties fail with heavy slaughter.read · scan
- p. 362–363Enemy assaults on the right fail against strong defenses; morning of the Third finds the army preparing calmly.read · scan
- p. 363–365Union lines are reformed on the morning of July 3 as generals anticipate a fresh Confederate attack on the left or center.read · scan
- p. 365–366Describes the positioning of infantry behind low stone breastworks on Cemetery Ridge and the officer's worry that the thin line might be overwhelmed.read · scan
- p. 367Battlefield lull before the storm; a fine officer is killed by a defective shell and enemy movements are watched.read · scan
- p. 367Staff officers improvise a meager meal on the battlefield amid scarcity, treated with humor.read · scan
- p. 370–371Meade orders provost guards back to their regiments before the expected attack; the midday lull is described.read · scan
- p. 371The Confederate cannonade suddenly opens, throwing the staff into confusion; shells kill horses, mules and a groom while Union guns reply.read · scan
- p. 371–374Gunners serve their pieces amid the bombardment.read · scan
- p. 376From in front of the line the smoke-shrouded battle is seen; skirmishers stand silent while guns roar and iron deaths fly.read · scan
- p. 377–378Aftermath of the great artillery duel, its scale and damage, and Lee's purpose to break the Union line before assault.read · scan
- p. 378Pickett's massed infantry advances in perfect order against the Union crest, described as an irresistible tide.read · scan
- p. 378Final preparations for the Confederate assault; stakes of holding the crest for the army's victory.read · scan
- p. 378–381Artillery and musket fire open as the assault reaches the Union line.read · scan
- p. 381Battery commanders die and the infantry fights alone as Webb's brigade breaks at the wall.read · scan
- p. 381Rallying the broken brigade at the wall; enemy massing flags, Webb's men falling and desperately needing support.read · scan
- p. 381Haskell reads the enemy's concentration against Webb and seeks reinforcements from Hall and Harrow.read · scan
- p. 381–385Hall's and Harrow's regiments hurry to reinforce Webb; the enemy's right staggers and the crest is saved.read · scan
- p. 386Depleted Union division and massed enemy face each other at the wall in a renewed, deadlier battle.read · scan
- p. 391Meade arrives at the crest, learns the assault is repulsed, and gives orders to reform the troops against another attack.read · scan
- p. 391–392Meade orders a flank charge if the enemy attacks again; prisoners are collected, and unarmed Rebels are briefly mistaken for a breakthrough.read · scan
- p. 393–394Concludes the battle narrative: the repulse, last firing, burial of the dead and pursuit of Lee's army.read · scan
- p. 397Describes the council of Union generals on July 13 about attacking Lee's army before it crossed the Potomac.read · scan
- p. 397–398Lee's army escapes across the Potomac; Haskell argues attacking a concealed, entrenched enemy with exhausted troops would have failed.read · scan
- p. 398–400Defends the army's not attacking at Williamsport, and notes the soldiers' readiness to fight and mild disappointment at the Rebel escape.read · scan
- p. 400Assesses conduct of Union commanders and troops, condemning Sickles and the Eleventh Corps, and praises Confederate valor.read · scan
- p. 400Confederate expectations of victory after July 1 give way to talk of their own safety after the defeat of Pickett's division on July 3.read · scan
- p. 401Haskell assesses Gettysburg's scale, casualties and the magnificent assault of July 3, won by the numerically weaker side.read · scan
- p. 402–403Praises the Second Corps' fighting, losses and captures at Gettysburg, and defends the Army of the Potomac against Western doubts.read · scan
8e.Raids and conflicts with native peoples
See also: Prophecy 3a · Slavery 8a · Race and Nationality 6c · Justice 8c
Homer, The OdysseyVol. 22
- p. 191Nine years' war at Troy, then a raid on Egypt in which the men plunder and are routed.read · scan
The Book of PsalmsVol. 44
- p. 200Kings assemble against Zion but flee in dismay before the city God establishes.read · scan
- p. 315God smote Egypt's firstborn and mighty kings, giving their lands to Israel.read · scan
- p. 316God overthrew Pharaoh's host and famous kings, delivering Israel from adversaries.read · scan
The Bhagavad-Gita; or, Song CelestialVol. 45
- p. 785–786The armies of Kurus and Pandavas are drawn up on Kurukshetra; conches and trumpets sound as battle is about to begin.read · scan
Virgil, The AeneidVol. 13
- p. 131The Trojans fight the Harpies in vain, their swords rebounding from the fated skin.read · scan
Chapters from the KoranVol. 45
- p. 903–904Pharaoh musters a host to pursue the Israelites.read · scan
The Destruction of Dá Derga's HostelVol. 49
- p. 208–209Bands of marauders of hundreds are catalogued as raiding the land.read · scan
- p. 209–210Rival bands of reavers meet at sea, and Ingcel proposes peace and a mutual agreement to plunder each other's countries.read · scan
- p. 210–212Reavers pledge destruction in Britain, Alba and Ireland, cast lots, and approach Howth to raid Conaire's hostel.read · scan
- p. 212–213The raiding fleet lands; its noise shakes the hostel, Ingcel eager to feast on Conaire's destruction.read · scan
- p. 213–214Warriors land, Mac cecht leaps to arms, Da Derga's armed men greet Conaire; the monstrous Ingcel leads the reavers.read · scan
- p. 216–217Reavers build a cairn to count losses, distinguishing a 'Destruction' from a 'Rout', and plan the assault.read · scan
- p. 217–218Ingcel reports on the hostel; the reavers resolve to wreak the Destruction on the king's household.read · scan
- p. 218–219Debate over whether to attack the hostel despite formidable defenders.read · scan
- p. 219–220Ingcel presses on; the Pictish exiles in Conaire's household are named as formidable warriors.read · scan
- p. 221–222Fer rogain foretells the slaughter that Conaire's nine elf pipers and steward Tuidle will inflict on the reavers.read · scan
- p. 222Ingcel describes a fearsome trio of warriors with huge weapons and shield, the biggest beating nine hundred in battle.read · scan
- p. 222–223Fer rogain foretells the slaughter Mac cecht will work in battle at the Hostel; the reavers tremble at his prowess.read · scan
- p. 224The king's three sons are identified and their fighting worth predicted, with warning of the slaughter each will deal at the Destruction.read · scan
- p. 225Fomorian hostages and three brown champions are identified and their slaughter in the coming fight predicted.read · scan
- p. 226Champions Mai, Munremar, Birderg and Conall Cernach are identified and their killing power foretold.read · scan
- p. 227–228Conall Cernach will guard the doors and slay many before the Hostel.read · scan
- p. 229–230Predicted slaughter at the nine doors as Conaire and his fosterers defend the Hostel.read · scan
- p. 230The king's twelve guardsmen are named, and many dead are predicted around the Hostel by their hands.read · scan
- p. 231–232The six cupbearers are identified as fighters who will slay many and escape.read · scan
- p. 233–234The king's swineherds, charioteers and guards are identified, each of whom will slay a man.read · scan
- p. 234–235Each of the king's horsemen, judges, harpers and conjurers is said to be able to slay a man at the Destruction.read · scan
- p. 236–237Guards, warriors and champions are catalogued by the slaughter each will work in battle.read · scan
- p. 237Champions, their great swords and a flaming lance quenched in a poisonous cauldron are described with the slaughter they will cause.read · scan
- p. 238Heroes and the fatal lance Luin of Celtchar are described with the slaughter of kings and reavers they will work.read · scan
- p. 239Three monstrous giants with iron flails, spared by Cuchulainn, are described as terrible fighters who will destroy attackers.read · scan
- p. 241–242Doorwardens and a British robber-band of warriors are listed with the numbers they will slay.read · scan
- p. 242–243The reavers march on the Hostel and the first blood is shed as Conaire's champions ready themselves.read · scan
- p. 243–244Conaire sallies out, fights the reavers and slays six hundred; the Hostel is set on fire and put out thrice.read · scan
- p. 244–245Mac cecht, Conall, Cormac and others sally out in turn, each slaying hundreds of reavers before escaping wounded.read · scan
- p. 246–247The tally of the fallen after the battle is given, with few of the reavers escaping; Ingcel gains kingship by his triumph.read · scan
- p. 247–248The reavers count their dead by the stones remaining in the cairn after the battle.read · scan
Stories from the Thousand and One NightsVol. 16
- p. 253–254Ogres hurl rocks at the fleeing men, killing most.read · scan
The Voyages to VinlandVol. 43
- p. 11Thorvald's men seize and kill eight sleeping natives in canoes, beginning hostilities.read · scan
- p. 11–13Natives attack in canoes; Thorvald orders defence with shields and little attack, and is mortally wounded by an arrow.read · scan
- p. 14Karlsefni builds a palisade and plans defence against expected attack after a Skrelling is killed trying to seize weapons.read · scan
- p. 14Karlsefni ambushes the Skrellings with a stratagem and wins a battle; they flee and intercourse ends.read · scan
Christopher Columbus, The Letter of Columbus to Luis de Sant Angel Announcing His DiscoveryVol. 43
- p. 23He fortifies the town; the timid natives, ignorant of arms, could be overcome by his few men.read · scan
- p. 25He reports cannibal raiders who overrun the isles, while other natives are cowardly.read · scan
Amerigo Vespucci, Amerigo Vespucci's Account of His First VoyageVol. 43
- p. 28Natives wage cruel wars for vengeance of ancestors and kin, not for dominion or covetousness, taking women to carry goods.read · scan
- p. 28Apparent friendliness proves a treacherous ambush; the Europeans fight, kill some natives, take prisoners and plunder the houses.read · scan
- p. 28Natives complain of cruel cannibal raiders; the Europeans promise vengeance, then meet armed, painted warriors defending the shore.read · scan
- p. 28Battle on landing: cannon and swords defeat painted natives; council resolves to seek friendship or treat them as foes.read · scan
- p. 28Village burned and 250 prisoners taken after victory with few Spanish losses.read · scan
Sir Walter Raleigh, The Discovery of GuianaVol. 33
- p. 322–324Series of failed Spanish expeditions ended in defeat and slaughter.read · scan
- p. 324–325Hernandez de Serpa's army is routed by Indians; only eighteen of 300 return.read · scan
- p. 327Encounters with natives cost Berreo's company many men and horses.read · scan
- p. 333Natives slay ten Spaniards for their gold; Berreo retaliates by spoiling Aromaia.read · scan
- p. 338The native lord tries to kill the pilots as agents of a foreign invasion, and the English seize a hostage under threat of beheading.read · scan
- p. 339–340Two chief Tivitiva lords are in continual war with one another.read · scan
- p. 340Once warlike against all nations, they are now at peace with neighbours, united against the Spaniards as common enemy.read · scan
- p. 345Pursuit of the fleeing Spaniards; he fears that profit-seekers' violence would turn the natives' love and reliance into hatred.read · scan
- p. 345–346English victory over the Spaniards at Trinidad and Elizabeth's fleets impress the natives and win their allegiance.read · scan
- p. 354The old chief recounts invasion by the Epuremei, slaughter of the ancient Guianians, his son's death in battle, and a peace since the Christians came.read · scan
- p. 355–356Native nations wage daily war on the Epuremei and would join the English against the Spaniards.read · scan
- p. 364He fears Epuremei invasion if he helps the English and asks them to defer until next year.read · scan
- p. 365The borderers fight the Epuremei chiefly to recover women, caring little for gold or dominion.read · scan
- p. 369Native chiefs are persuaded Raleigh comes only as enemy to the Spaniards; Carapana flees fearing destruction and Spanish pursuit.read · scan
- p. 373Tribes war with one another and are professed enemies of the Spaniards.read · scan
Francis Bacon, The New AtlantisVol. 3
- p. 157Mighty kingdoms of Atlantis launched great naval expeditions against Europe and the island.read · scan
John Eliot, Eliot's Brief NarrativeVol. 43
- p. 144–145Praying towns are harassed by Mauquaogs; a rash expedition, killings, a garrison, and scattered towns.read · scan
John Milton, Paradise LostVol. 4
- p. 342Egyptian host is drowned; the unwarlike Israelites are spared battle at first.read · scan
- p. 342Battles fought and the sun standing still for Israel's victory.read · scan
John Milton, Samson AgonistesVol. 4
- p. 415Samson recalls felling Philistines unarmed and the men of Judah delivering him bound.read · scan
John Woolman, The Journal of John WoolmanVol. 1
- p. 256News arrives of a fort taken and English settlers slain and scalped.read · scan
- p. 259Viewing Indian war paintings he reflects on the afflictions of the fierce spirit of war and longs to cherish love and peace.read · scan
- p. 262News of Indian raids on English forts, scalps and war declared; a man's tomahawk raises fear until friendly talk defuses it.read · scan
- p. 264Reports of warriors marching against the English at Juniata.read · scan
- p. 268–269Frontier inhabitants are alarmed by reports of killings; Indians travel with Woolman for safety through the frontier.read · scan
- p. 276Contrasts peaceable Quaker settlers of Pennsylvania with the warlike early settlers of the southern provinces and their bloody engagements with natives.read · scan
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, PoemsVol. 42
- p. 1329Wandering tribes stain the desert with blood along their terrible war-trails.read · scan
Charles Darwin, The Voyage of the BeagleVol. 29
- p. 70Account of Araucanian Indian attack on an estancia, its defense with cannon and grape-shot, and the Indians' retreat.read · scan
- p. 74General Rosas's army is sent to exterminate the wandering Indians, with posts of soldiers keeping communication.read · scan
- p. 77–78Describes General Rosas's encampment and a motley cavalry army living on mare's flesh.read · scan
- p. 82The post's ditch and the lieutenant's resolve to sell his life dearly show the constant threat of Indian attack.read · scan
- p. 83Gun signal warns of Indians; fort and fortifications arise from the trouble of unjust occupation by force.read · scan
- p. 83Guide recounts Indians killing his companions and pursuing him; order forbids straying from the settlement.read · scan
- p. 106–107Bahia Blanca is stirred by rumours of war between Rosas's troops and wild Indians, and a murdered post.read · scan
- p. 110–111Recounts an engagement at Cholechel in which troops kill Indians and the cacique escapes with his son.read · scan
- p. 115The guide recounts fighting with Indians at the Sierra, where women fought desperately with stones.read · scan
- p. 116–118Soldiers live in constant vigilance against Indian attack, after the murder of a posta's garrison.read · scan
- p. 119The post where Indians murdered five soldiers; the exposed fifth posta is heavily garrisoned.read · scan
- p. 169–170Indians attacked and massacred a small settlement, and hostile attacks drove colonists to abandon buildings.read · scan
- p. 218Tribes at war are cannibals.read · scan
- p. 223–224Hostility of natives and threatened skirmish with the party.read · scan
- p. 225Neutral border tracts show the hostile state of tribes; Oens men raid Jemmy's people.read · scan
- p. 227Fear of encounter after the women vanish; Fitz Roy withdraws to avoid fatal conflict.read · scan
- p. 238–239Guns and rockets fired to frighten Fuegians away.read · scan
- p. 269Pincheira, a renegade half-caste, raided Chilean farms with Indians; Rosas waged a war of extermination against such tribes.read · scan
- p. 303–304Indians' independence comes from long wars and repeated victories over the Spaniards.read · scan
- p. 416–417Survivors of murderous battles retreated to mountain fastnesses where a few men could resist thousands.read · scan
- p. 437–438Enclosed tribes keep ancient enmities and fight a battle in the centre of Bathurst.read · scan
- p. 450Martial law and a human-line hunt to capture the Tasmanian natives; they surrender in despair.read · scan
Edward Augustus Freeman, Race and LanguageVol. 28
- p. 247–248Conquest brings assimilation either way depending on numbers and civilization.read · scan
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