บท 380: Battle of the hills (12)

Caught in a pincer attack and faced with the relentless assault of the Sicilian forces, a significant portion of the Epirote infantry, mainly consisting of levies, found themselves overwhelmed. The chaos of battle, coupled with the unexpected assault from both the front and the rear, shattered their morale.

As the Sicilian warriors pressed forward with renewed vigor, the Epirote levies, many of whom were inexperienced and hastily assembled, began to falter. The hills, once thought to be their , turned into a trap as the Sicilian forces closed in from all sides.

Unable to withstand the onslaught and witnessing the fall of a considerable portion of their comrades, a sense of panic gripped the Epirote levies. Realizing the dire situation, a portion of them threw down their shields and attempted to retreat carrying their spears only . The sight of their fellow soldiers fleeing further fueled the chaos, and a ripple effect of demoralization spread through their ranks.