The ordinary meaning of nap is to doze off during the day. The secondary meaning is to be offguard. Hence the phrase Catch them napping . Flying by the nap of the earth refers to the practice of flying low to the earth (undetected by radar) to catch the enemy by surprise (or napping).
the tribunes The Tribunes were elected representatives that protected the plebeians from mistreatment. The Tribunes attended meetings of the consuls or Senate in an attempt to bring justice to the plebeians.
When asked why Sparta had no walls around her borders for protection the reply given was, âThe borders of our frontiers are protected by the tips of our warriorsâ spears.â The depth of the phalanx formation varied depending on the needs, terrain, enemy, etc. as did the width.