38.20
As the
consul had anticipated that the fighting would not be at close quarters but
would involve an attack upon positions from a distance, he accumulated a
large quantity of javelins, light infantry spears, arrows and leaden balls and
small stones suitable for hurling from slings. Provided with these missile
weapons, he marched towards Olympus and encamped about four miles'
distance from the mountain. On the morrow he sent Attalus with 500 cavalry
to reconnoitre the ground and the situation of the Gaulish camp. While thus
engaged a body of hostile cavalry, twice as large as his own force, sallied
from their camp and put him to flight; some of his men were killed and
several wounded. The next day the consul went out with the whole of his
cavalry to explore, and as none of the enemy appeared outside their lines he
made the circuit of the mountain in safety. He noticed that towards the south
the ground rose in gentle slopes and was covered with soil; on the north the
cliffs were precipitous and almost vertical. There were only three possible
roads -everywhere else it was inaccessible -the one up the middle of the
mountain free from rocks, and two which were difficult, one on the
south-east and the other on the north-west. After making these observations
he encamped for the day close to the foot of the mountain. The following
day, after he had offered the sacrifices and the first victims had given
favourable omens, he advanced against the enemy. The army was formed
into three divisions; the largest he commanded in person and began the
ascent where it afforded the easiest approach; his brother, L. Manlius, was
ordered to advance from the southeastern side as far as the ground allowed
of his doing so safely, but if he came to a dangerous or precipitous part he
was not to struggle against the difficulties of the path nor try to force his
way over insuperable obstacles. In that case he was to turn and march across
the face of the mountain and unite his division with the one which the consul
was leading. C. Helvius was to work gradually round the lower slopes of the
mountain and then take his division up the north-eastern side. Attalus'
auxiliaries were also formed into three divisions, Attalus himself
accompanying the consul. The cavalry and elephants were left on the level
ground at the bottom, and their commanders were under orders to watch
carefully the progress of the action and render prompt assistance wherever it
was required.
