After several failures, the enemy requested a ceasefire and offered to exchange prisoners. The people of Syracuse, who cherished peace, immediately accepted their proposal.
Archimedes, a virtuous man, believed that with the war ended, he could return to his thoughts about the drawings and problems on his beach. The people of Syracuse also thought that exchanging prisoners meant a declaration of the end of the war, and they prepared to celebrate their victory.
The day of celebration arrived; people danced, sang, and drank to commemorate, and the entire city was enveloped in happiness. It was not until late at night, when everyone was drunk, that they staggered back home, even the soldiers on guard were tipsy, leaning against the city walls, dozing off.
But at that very moment, several small boats quietly cut through the waves, docked, and slipped into the city, with almost no soldiers aware, they dispersed to hold their positions.
On the second day, just as dawn broke and the people of Syracuse were still lost in their dreams, the sound of the enemy’s trumpet echoed throughout the city.
“It’s over! The enemy has entered the city.”
“Our land has been captured by the enemy.”
Everyone was horrified, running in chaos; suddenly there was no leadership, no organization, and certainly no preparation. They turned into scattered grains of sand, losing their combat ability.
The enemy, taking advantage of the situation, opened the city gates and easily moved into the city.
Where was Archimedes? He was engrossed in his work on the sand, unaware that the enemy had entered his city. He did not hear the shouts of the enemy nor the cries for help from his fellow countrymen.
Suddenly, a dark figure blocked Archimedes’ view, stepping on the drawings he had made in the sand. Archimedes was annoyed that no one from his country would be so rude to him. “Hey, you’re ruining all my drawings, step aside!”
But the invading soldiers did not know who he was; upon hearing someone dare to scold them, they roared that they would kill him.
At that moment, Archimedes realized that the enemy was standing before him. He spoke in a deep voice to the soldier: “Excuse me, could you please wait a moment? Don’t ruin my drawings; I have to finish them first.”
But the ignorant soldier, not appreciating the value of science, ruthlessly killed Archimedes. At that time, Archimedes was already a venerable 75 years old.
The enemy commander, after entering the city, searched everywhere for Archimedes and ordered that this wise old man should not be harmed. He was greatly impressed by Archimedes. Upon hearing the news of Archimedes’ death, he expressed profound sorrow. He expelled the murderer from the city and organized a very solemn funeral for Archimedes, including the establishment of a tombstone.
Archimedes lived over 2,000 years ago, but his intellect, moral qualities, and many stories about him continue to be passed down to this day. His outstanding inventions and remarkable discoveries have transcended time and space, becoming an eternal treasure of humanity.
“Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth.”
— Archimedes —
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