content_output-027_5 (Q5836)

The ancient method of warfare among the most civilised of nations was inferior to that now practised by the most untutored of savages. The two armies—if a few fighting men and a rabble on each side may be so termed—were usually encamped within a half-mile or so of each other. In the space between the camps single combats took place. The heroes of either side would advance and challenge the other side; thus Goliath before the Jews: Goliath having found his David, and fallen, the Philistines ran away. So in the Trojan war Hector could only be fought by Achilles or some “hero” of equal rank.