The Great War Of Archimedes -

As the Roman fleet approached, they expected a standard siege. Instead, they encountered what modern historians call "The Archimedean Defense."

Though debated by modern skeptics, ancient accounts (like those of Lucian) claim Archimedes used a series of large, polished bronze shields to focus sunlight onto Roman sails, setting the fleet ablaze from a distance. The Great War of Archimedes

General Marcellus had given strict orders that Archimedes—whose genius he deeply respected—be taken alive. However, a Roman soldier came upon the 75-year-old mathematician while he was studying geometric figures drawn in the sand. As the Roman fleet approached, they expected a