Kitap 20
11.22
The Persians, however, were more sorely troubled by the various missiles sent from the ballistae, which as if along a tight rope Transenna has various meanings, one of which is extentus funis (Serv. on Aen. v. 488). Per transennam in this sense occurs only here. In xxv. 6, 14 Ammianus by e transenna emissi, refers probably to runners starting in a race when the rope is dropped, and meaning all together. Some take per transennam in the same sense, but it seems to refer rather to the accuracy of the marksmen, as if their missiles slid down a rope stretched from their ballistae to the mark at which they aimed. rushed down the artificial slopes of the earthworks. Therefore, thinking that their fortunes were now at their lowest ebb, they rushed to meet certain death, and distributing the duties of their soldiers in the midst of their desperate crisis, they left some behind to hold the walls, while a strong force secretly opened a postern gate and rushed out, drawn sword in hand, followed by others who carried concealed fires.
