326 ESTIMATES OF MOUNTAINS IN ANTIQUITY. [CHAP.

had done, urged him to assail the fort from the side by which he
had ascended, and undertook to shew the way and to be foremost
in the danger.

1 Marius sent some of those about him with the Ligurian to
examine his proposal ; and these reported the matter as easy or
difficult according to their prepossessions. Still, the consul's
interest in it was to some degree aroused ; and accordingly he
chose five of the most active of his force of trumpeters and
hornblowers, accompanied by four centurions to act as guards,
and placed them all under the command of the Ligurian, ap-
pointing the following day for the adventure. When the time
agreed upon arrived, he set out for the place with everything
prepared and in order. Those, however, who were to make the
ascent, according to the instructions of their leader had put off
their arms and equipment, baring their heads and feet, so as to
have a freer view and a firmer foothold among the rocks, and
carrying on their backs their swords and shields ; but the latter
were Numidian bucklers made of leather, both for the sake of
lightness, and in order that when they struck any object they might
give out less sound. So the Ligurian went in front, and fastened
nooses round the rocks and any old roots that jutted out, that by
the help of these the soldiers might climb more easily. From
time to time he gave them a hand, if they were discouraged by so
unusual a mode of progress, and when the gradient was steeper
than usual, he sent them on one by one in front of him without
their arms, and then followed bearing them. Where the ground
appeared untrustworthy, he shewed the example of testing it, and
by frequently going up and down the same way, and now and
then on the sudden varying the route, inspired the rest with
confidence. In this way, with much expense of time and labour,
they reached the fort, which was undefended on that side1.'

If any additional proof be required, beyond that which has
been already given, of the frequency with which

Mountains • .....

regarded as mountains were ascended in antiquity — at least at

an earl? Period~ for the sake of the views which
they commanded, it may be found in the recurrent
1 Sail JBeU. Jugurth. 93, 94 : cp. The Alpine Journal^ vol. n. pp. 180,
181.