26.46
Those
who were making the attack on the land side were in very great difficulties.
Not only were they baffled by the height of the walls, but as they approached
them they were open to showers of missiles on both hands, so that their sides
were more exposed than their front. In the other direction, however, the 500
found their passage through the lake and their ascent from there to the foot
of the walls an easy matter. No fortifications had been constructed on this
side, as it was considered to be sufficiently protected by the lake and by the
nature of the ground, nor were there any outposts or pickets on guard
against any attack, as all were intent on rendering assistance where danger
was actually visible. They entered the city without meeting any opposition,
and at once marched full speed to the gate round which all the fighting had
gathered. All had their attention absorbed in the struggle; even the eyes and
ears of the combatants, as of those who were watching and cheering them
on, were so riveted on the fighting that not a single man was aware that the
city behind him was captured until the missiles began to fall upon them from
the rear. Now that they had the enemy in front and rear they gave up the
defence, the walls were seized, the gate was battered from both sides,
smashed to pieces, and carried out of the way to allow a free passage to the
troops. A large number surmounted the walls and inflicted heavy slaughter
on the townsmen, but those who entered through the gate marched in
unbroken ranks through the heart of the city into the forum. From this point
Scipio saw the enemy retreating in two directions; one body was making for
a hill to the east of the city, which was being held by a detachment of 500
men; the others were going to the citadel where Mago, together with the
men who had been driven from the walls, had taken refuge. Sending a force
to storm the hill, he led the rest of his troops against the citadel. The hill was
taken at the first charge, and Mago, seeing that the whole of the city was in
occupation of the enemy, and that his own position was hopeless,
surrendered the citadel and its defenders. Until the citadel was surrendered
the carnage went on everywhere throughout the city, no adult male who was
met with was spared, but on its surrender the signal was given and an end
put to the slaughter. The victors then turned their attention to the plunder, of
which there was a vast amount of every kind.
