Ancient warfare Books
Johns Hopkins University Press Rome and the Barbarians 100 BCAD 400 Ancient
Book SynopsisWhat he describes is, in fact, a drawn-out period of acculturation, characterized more by continuity than by change and conflict and leading to the creation of a new Romano-barbarian hybrid society and culture that anticipated the values and traditions of medieval civilization.Trade ReviewAn excellent book that comes from eleven years of painstaking research. Thomas S. Burns has written a readable and well-documented survey of Rome and the numerous peoples to its north... The book is exceptionally well organized... This book is useful for research and in the classroom not only because of its extensive documentation and bibliography but also because it is readable both for scholars and students. -- John F. DeFelice History: Reviews of New Books 2004 An excellent study... Burns breaks the stereotype of the barbarians as destructive savages held in check by the Roman Empire. In its place he offers a balanced view of an evolving relationship between complex, diverse societies on the barbarian side and the civilized Romans... The book is enhanced by Burns's very effective integration of the traditional literary sources with the testimony of archaeological evidence... Sheds light on an important aspect of Roman history and is valuable to both the scholar and the beginning student. -- J. P. Karras Journal of Military History 2004 Anyone who has struggled to convey to a class the manifold ways in which the establishment of a legionary fortress revolutionized the life of a region will envy Burns' pedagogical fluency. -- Michael Kulikowski Bryn Mawr Classical Review 2004 I recommend the book highly as an informed, up-to-date, and well-written review of a huge amount of data, easily readable and well referenced. -- Peter S. Wells International History Review 2005 This detailed analysis of Roman-barbarian interaction rests on a very solid scholarly base. Choice 2004 Rome and the Barbarians, is a book that will delight both academics and their students. -- Gocha R. Tsetskhladze Ancient West and East 2006 A thought-provoking analysis... A good foundation upon which future studies can build. -- James Chlup Ordia Prima 2006 A remarkably even-handed portrait of Roman-northern action and reaction. -- Frank M. Clover Classical Review 2005 A very good read for any student interested in the Romans or the barbarians. New York Military Affairs Symposium Newsletter 2009Table of ContentsContents:One - Sometimes Bitter Friends Two - Recognition, Confrontation, and Coexistence Three - Through Caesar's Eyes Four - The Early Empire and the Barbarians: An Overview Five - Perspectives from Pannonia Six - The Barbarians and the "Crisis" of the Empire Seven - Barbarians and the Late Roman Empire Epilogue Appendix: Most Important Roman Emperors and Usurpers
£34.74
Quercus Publishing Great Commanders Of The Ancient World
Book SynopsisA magisterial survey of the military giants of the ancient world.Table of ContentsThutmose III. Ramesses II. Joshua Bin Nun. King David. Tiglath-Pilesser III. Sun Tzu. Cyrus the Great. Leonidas. Themistocles. Thucydides. Alcibiades. Xenophon. Philip II of Macedon. Alexander the Great. Hannibal. Scipio Africanus. Judah Maccabeus. Pompey. Julius Caesar. Arminius. Trajan. Zhuge Liang. Alaric I. Aetius. Attila. Further reading. Index.
£11.69
Cambridge University Press A History of the Roman Equestrian Order
Book SynopsisIn the Roman social hierarchy, the equestrian order stood second only to the senatorial aristocracy in status and prestige. This book offers the first comprehensive history of the order, covering the period from the eighth century BC to the fifth century AD.Trade Review'What the author has produced is both a major work of a scholarship and a highly readable book. This reviewer found it difficult to put down. The book has much to offer anyone with an interest in Roman history, whether generalist or specialist.' Classics For All'… an impressively scholarly but readable study.' Choice'Davenport has produced a very impressive work. Although intended primarily for the serious scholar of Roman institutions, those with an interest in Roman military history will find Davenport's work of considerable value.' A. A. Nofi, StrategyPage (www.strategypage.com)Table of ContentsIntroduction: charting the history of the equestrian order; Part I. The Republic: 1. Riding for Rome; 2. Cicero's equestrian order; 3. Questions of status; Part II. The Empire: 4. Pathways to the principate; 5. An imperial order; 6. Cursus and vita (I): officers; 7. Cursus and vita (II): administrators; Part III. Equestrians on Display: 8. Ceremonies and consensus; 9. Spectators and performers; 10. Religion and the Res Publica; Part IV. The Late Empire: 11. Governors and generals; 12. The last equites Romani; Conclusion.
£26.99
Cambridge University Press Warfare in the Roman World
Book SynopsisWarfare was a recurrent phenomenon of fundamental importance throughout Roman history. Its scale and form varied across time and place, but it had wide-ranging impacts on politics, society and economy. This book focuses on important themes in the interplay between warfare and these broader contexts, including attitudes to war and peace, the values associated with military service, the role of material resources, military mutiny and civil war, and social and cultural aspects of the military. It also examines experiences of warfare, focusing on approaches to Roman battle and the impact of war on civilians. Importantly and distinctively, these different themes are traced across a millennium of Roman history from the Republic through to the end of Late Antiquity in the early seventh century, with a view to highlighting important continuities and changes across Roman history, and alerting readers to valuable but often less familiar material from the empire''s final centuries.Trade Review'A bibliographic essay, a table of significant events, a list of emperors, a glossary, a separate list of references, an index, and several maps and illustrations round out the volume. Highly recommended for research libraries, university students (all levels), and scholars.' B. A. Ault, Choice'As a map for those new to the field, Warfare in the Roman World is easy to read and follow without sacrificing academic rigor. In short, Lee provides the right amount of detail to set readers up for further study.' Brian Turner über Lee, H-Soz-Kult'The book is strong in its use of documentary and archaeological evidence. The comprehensive notes guide the reader to not only the most recent scholarship, but to the most important.' Jonathan Roth, Bryn Mawr Classical Review'The book embodies an admirable fusion of erudition and economy, and Lee's lithe facility with the sources and scholarship makes the transition across themes, centuries and scholarly silos seem effortless. This book will be of great value to undergraduate students as an introduction, doctoral students as a survey and scholars as an overview.' Michael J. Taylor, Journal of Roman StudiesTable of ContentsIntroduction; 1. War and peace; 2. Military service and courage; 3. Manpower and money; 4. Authority and allegiances; 5. Society and identity; 6. Culture and communication; 7. Experiences of war; Epilogue; Bibliographical essay; Important dates; Roman emperors; Glossary.
£27.35
Cambridge University Press Athenian Democracy at War
Book SynopsisClassical Athens perfected direct democracy and ancient theatre. These achievements are rightly revered. Less well known is the other side of this success story. Democratic Athens completely transformed warfare and became a superpower. This book puts the study of Athenian democracy at war on an entirely new footing.Trade Review'This comprehensive book by internationally respected Australian scholar Dr Pritchard - the first such, involving a new theory about democracy and warmaking in ancient Athens - addresses the relationship between the fact of Athens' democracy and the fact of its transformational military record. Classical Athens is famous for its direct democracy and innovative culture, but less well understood is that it was its democracy that caused this military success.' Paul Cartledge, A. G. Leventis Professor (Emeritus) of Greek Culture and Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Classics, University of Cambridge'Pritchard's book gives stunning insights into Athenian democracy's attitude to war. Did the Persian Wars influence the development of Athenian democracy? Why were wars so important for the prestige of Athenian citizens? How did the Athenians finance and organise their wars? In answering these fundamental questions his book analyses brilliantly the mutual impact that Athenian democracy and war had on each other.' Claudia Tiersch, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin'David Pritchard has written the definitive account of classical Athenian warfare. He offers astute analyses of the Athenian armed forces, military finance, the ideology of war, war and sport, and the relationship between warfare and democracy. His arguments are careful; his documentation is meticulous. It will be essential reading for all serious students of Athens, democracy, and warfare.' Josiah Ober, Stanford University, California'A masterful, debatable and elegantly crafted analysis of the world's first democratic empire and why it was no protagonist of 'democratic peace'.' John Keane, University of Sydney and Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung'… this thought-provoking and vital book (aimed at 'students and teachers, interested general readers and scholars alike') is a must for anyone interested not just in classical Greek warfare and politics but in what this can tell us about the relationship between democracies in general and the military.' David Stuttard, Classics for All'… this intelligent, thought-provoking book … is an extremely useful tool for a reader interested in a comprehensive, critical overview …' Matteo Zaccarini, The Classical Review'… an excellent work of scholarship …' Anthony Papalas, Choice'This is an excellent, up-to-date discussion of the composition and methods of conscription and remuneration of hoplites, sailors, archers and horsemen …' Kostas Vlassopoulos, Greece & Rome'I greatly admire and have benefitted from Pritchard's scholarly program, and he is an essential author for those working on Athens and war in any respect. The volume here under review contains many up-to-date references and facts about a great many topics pertaining to classical Athens at war.' Matthew Sears, Bryn Mawr Classical Review'Athenian Democracy at War is highly recommended for any scholar of Athens and democracy in the ancient world, because it successfully fills a gap underlining the reasons for the effectiveness of Athens in war, and how it could train professional armies and launch huge fleets which ruled the Aegean with utter dominance. It does not only analyse the role war played in Athenian culture and democracy, but also the role democracy played in the development of warfare in form and scale …' Tomás Bethencourt, Global Intellectual HistoryTable of Contents1. Athenian democracy at war; 2. The armed forces; 3. Naval matters in old comedy; 4. Costing festivals and wars; 5. The cost of the Peloponnesian War; 6. Public finance and war in Ancient Greece; 7. Sport and war; 8. War and Panhellenic sporting victory.
£75.60
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Warriors of Anatolia A Concise History of the
Book SynopsisThe Hittites in the Late Bronze Age became the mightiest military power in the Ancient Near East. Yet their empire was always vulnerable to destruction by enemy forces; their Anatolian homeland occupied a remote region, with no navigable rivers; and they were cut off from the sea. Perhaps most seriously, they suffered chronic under-population and sometimes devastating plague. How, then, can the rise and triumph of this ancient imperium be explained, against seemingly insuperable odds? In his lively and unconventional treatment of one of antiquity's most mysterious civilizations, whose history disappeared from the records over three thousand years ago, Trevor Bryce sheds fresh light on Hittite warriors as well as on the Hittites' social, religious and political culture and offers new solutions to many unsolved questions. Revealing them to have been masters of chariot warfare, who almost inflicted disastrous defeat on Rameses II at the Battle of Qadesh (1274 BCE), he shows the Hittites aTrade ReviewWarriors of Anatolia offers, in its author’s own words, ‘a reliable introduction to Hittite history and civilisation, one which touches on many features of the Hittite world, explores some of them in more depth and proposes a number of new ideas and approaches to longstanding problems .. .’ (p. 3). * Journal of Near Eastern Studies *Trevor Bryce has done more to present the history of the Hittites than any scholar. His present book is an effort to present a breezably readable version to the interested public. The book should be considered a success as a reliable, readable and affordable introduction to the Hittites for the general reader. * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *Trevor Bryce has devoted his scholarly career to reconstructing the civilization of the Hittites of pre-Classical Turkey. In this book he draws on this experience to present an accessible overview of the history and culture of this fascinating ancient people. When the available evidence is scanty or unclear, he invites the reader to consider his or her own solution to historical quandaries. -- Gary Beckman, George C. Cameron Professor of Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures, University of Michigan, USATable of ContentsList of Maps and Figures Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1: Rediscovering a Lost World Chapter 2: How Do The Hittites Tell Us About Themselves? Chapter 3: The Dawn of the Hittite Era Chapter 4: The Legacy of an Ailing King Chapter 5: ‘Now Bloodshed Has Become Common’ Chapter 6: The Setting for an Empire Chapter 7: Building an Empire Chapter 8: Lion or Pussycat? Chapter 9: From Near Extinction to the Threshold of International Supremacy Chapter 10: The Greatest Kingdom of Them All Chapter 11: Intermediaries of the Gods: The Great Kings of Hatti Chapter 12: King by Default Chapter 13: Health, Hygiene and Healing Chapter 14: Justice and the Commoner Chapter 15: No Sex Please, We’re Hittite Chapter 16: Women, Marriage and Slavery Chapter 17: War with Egypt Chapter 18: All the King’s Horses and All the King’s Men Chapter 19: The Man Who Would Be King Chapter 20: Partners in Power: The Great Queens of Hatti Chapter 21: City of Temples and Bureaucrats: The Royal Capital Chapter 22: An Elite Fraternity: the Club of Royal Brothers Chapter 23: The Empire’s Struggle for Survival Chapter 24: Hatti’s Divine Overlords Chapter 25: Death of an Empire Appendix 1: Rulers of Hatti Appendix 2: Outline of Main Events in Hittite History Notes Select Bibliography Index
£43.59
Pen & Sword Books Ltd A Storm of Spears
Book SynopsisReexamines the literary, pictorial and archaeological evidence for hoplite warfare minutely, and combines this with the insights of experimental archaeology using replica weapons and equipment.
£14.39
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Army of Alexander the Great
Book SynopsisDrawing on the latest archaeology and research this is the most detailed study in recent years of Alexander's Macedonian army, the most efficient and successful war machine of its era.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Bronze Age Military Equipment
Book SynopsisThis book is a fascinating discussion of the development of the military equipment of the earliest organized armies.
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Emperor Septimius Severus
Book SynopsisExcellent analysis of the organization, tactics and equipment of the Roman army of the period, as well as of their major enemies, and the impact of Severus' reforms.
£25.50
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Great Battles of the Early Roman Empire
Book SynopsisDr Simon Elliott describes eight of the greatest, most decisive of the Roman Empire of the first to third centuries. The list includes battles fought from the highlands of Scotland and the forests of Germany to the deserts of the Middle East. They show how the vaunted Roman legions adapted to extremes of terrain and climate as well as a wide array of very different foes, from the wild Caledonian tribes to the sophisticated, combined-arms armies of Sassanid Persia with their war elephants and superb cavalry. Some of the battles even pit the Roman legions against their own kind in brutal civil wars.After an introductory chapter on the Imperial Roman army, detailing its organization, equipment, tactics and doctrine, the author moves on to describing each battle in detail. He sets the strategic context and background of the chosen engagement before analysing the size and composition of the opposing forces, also detailing the nature of the enemy faced. The manoeuvres leading up to the battl
£22.00
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Roman Conquests Gaul
Book SynopsisCovers the most famous Roman campaigns of conquest of them all thanks to Julius Caesar's involvement (his own writings being our main source of knowledge).
£18.76
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Ancient Romes Worst Emperors
Book SynopsisBetween 27 BCE and 476 CE a series of men became Roman Emperor, ruling a domain that stretched across Europe, North Africa and the Near East. Some of them did this rather well, expanding Rome's territories further, installing just laws and maintaining order within the city. Others, however, were distinctly less successful at the job.Ancient Rome's Worst Emperors takes an engaging and amusing look at the mad, the bad and the catastrophically incompetent of Rome's rulers. From the sadistically cruel Caligula to the hopelessly weak Valentinian II, there were many who failed dismally at the top job for a variety of reasons.But what qualifies someone as a worst emperor?What evidence is there to support it?And should we believe any of it?Join us on a tour of the very worst leadership ancient Rome has to offer as we delve into sadistic acts of cruelty, paranoia run rampant, poor decision-making skills and the danger of being the wrong man at the wrong time.
£18.00
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Military History of Late Rome 284 361
Book SynopsisNarrative of Rome's wars during a tumultuous period of civil war and mounting external threats. Discusses development of the Roman army and the armies of her major enemies eg Goths and Sassanid Persians. Includes such pivotal events as the battles of the Milvian Bridge, and Strasbourg.
£17.09
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The History of Roman Legion VI Victrix
Book SynopsisThe first book detailing the history of the Sixth Legion in Britain.
£19.80
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Rise of Persia and the First GrecoPersian
Book SynopsisThe epic story of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Europe and Greece.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Greek Victories and the Persian Ebb 480479 BC
Book SynopsisConcluding part of a significant trilogy on the Greco-Persian Wars.
£25.50
Random House USA Inc Rubicon
Book Synopsis
£17.85
Johns Hopkins University Press Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor
Book SynopsisNews and World Report, MSNBC Online, and other international venues, this groundbreaking work will be a landmark in the study of ancient warfare.Trade ReviewReconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor is essential for anyone interested in ancient warfare and/or experimental archaeology, from academic to layman, and is a defining and valuable contribution to our understanding of the ancient world. -- Christopher Matthew Bryn Mawr Classical Review Anyone interested in archeological textiles, historical textiles, historical reenactment, military history, costume construction, or flax and linen should consider this fascinating and unique book. -- Joanne Robbins Hicken The Complex Weaver Reconstructing Ancient Linen Body Armor is a model example of the benefits that can come from creative engagement with historical re-enactors. -- Peter Thonemann Times Literary Supplement In introducing the developing disciplines of experimental and reconstructive archaeology alongside the traditional approaches of textual and visual analysis, the authors provide a challenging and illuminating exploration of a poorly understood piece of ancient body armour that will satisfy both academic scholars and military history aficionados alike HermathenaTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsIntroductionThe State of Linothorax Scholarship and Typologies of Greek ArmorThe Structure of This BookMethodology and Audience1. Ancient Evidence for Linen ArmorLiterary SourcesLinen in the Ancient WorldVisual Sources2. Structural Variants and Decorations on Type IV ArmorStructural Elements I: Shoulder FlapsStructural Elements II: Shoulder Flap TiesStructural Elements III: PterugesStructural Elements IV: Structural Elements IVDecorative Elements I: Painted DesignsDecorative Elements II: ColorDistinctive Aspects of Etruscan Type IV Armor3. What Material Was Used to Make Type IV Armor?Leather versus Linen ConstructionSewn versus Laminated ConstructionComposite Construction4. Reconstructing the LinothoraxDeveloping a Basic PatternFabrics and GluesThe Lamination ProcessHeroic Nudity and Armor LengthDecorationThickness5. Arrow Test Methodology and MaterialsArrow Test RationaleTest PatchesArrows and BowsArrow Test Procedure6. Arrow Test ResultsGeneral ObservationsLess Significant Test VariablesHand-Produced versus Modern LinensLaminated versus Sewn and QuiltedDifferent ArrowheadsDepth of Penetration and Lethality of InjuryAngled ShotsTest Results Compared to Ancient Source TestimonyTesting Other Types of AttacksArrow versus Unarmored WarriorArrow versus Test Patch: Test Result TablesLinen versus Metal Armor7. Wearability IssuesPotential Vulnerability to MoistureWaterproofing ExperimentsDurability and RepairRange of Motion, Mobility, and FitHeat, Weight, and Endurance8. Economic and Social ConsiderationsLabor Required to Construct a LinothoraxThe Cost of Linen ArmorCost and Availability of Leather versus LinenLarge- Scale ProductionGender IssuesConclusionAppendix: Database of Visual Sources for Type IV ArmorBlack-Figure VasesWhite- Ground Technique VasesRed- Figure VasesStone Sculptures and ReliefsTerracotta Sculptures and ReliefsMetal ObjectsPaintingsNotesBibliographyIndex
£35.53
Johns Hopkins University Press The Battle of Arginusae
Book SynopsisAimed at classics students and general readers, the book provides an in-depth examination of the fraught relationship between Athens' military commanders and its vaunted sovereign democracy.Trade ReviewHamel combines hip writing for the general reader with a scholar's ability to size up the sources of our knowledge of the past. -- Tim Morris LectionTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsTimelineMapsPrologue1. Setting the Stage2. Naval Warfare3. The Battle of Arginusae4. The Athenians and Their Generals5. The Aftermath in AthensEpilogueAppendix AAppendix BNotesSuggested Further ReadingIndex
£39.00
Johns Hopkins University Press The Battle of Arginusae
Book SynopsisAimed at classics students and general readers, the book provides an in-depth examination of the fraught relationship between Athens' military commanders and its vaunted sovereign democracy.Trade ReviewHamel combines hip writing for the general reader with a scholar's ability to size up the sources of our knowledge of the past. -- Tim Morris LectionTable of ContentsAcknowledgmentsTimelineMapsPrologue1. Setting the Stage2. Naval Warfare3. The Battle of Arginusae4. The Athenians and Their Generals5. The Aftermath in AthensEpilogueAppendix AAppendix BNotesSuggested Further ReadingIndex
£26.33
Johns Hopkins University Press The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire
Book SynopsisThis illuminating book remains essential to both ancient historians and students of modern strategy.Trade ReviewAvec un retentissement exceptionnel pour un ouvrage écrit par quelqu’un qui n’était ni historien professionnel, ni spécialiste de l’Antiquité, le livre d’Edward Luttwak sur la grande stratégie de l’empire romain occupe une place à part dans l’historiographie depuis sa publication en 1976. À le relire on reste impressionné par l’ampleur des questions abordées, la concision, la clarté et l’audace de la synthèse, mais aussi par nombre d’observations. Au lendemain de la défaite du Vietnam,—Revue des Etudes AnciennesTable of ContentsList of Maps, Figures, and TablesPreface to the 2016 EditionPreface to the First EditionAcknowledgmentIntroduction1. The Julio-Claudian SystemThe System in OutlineThe Client StatesThe Management of the ClientsThe Tactical Organization of the ArmyThe Strategic Deployment of ForcesConclusion2. From the Flavians to the SeveriThe System in OutlineBorder DefenseBorder DefenseThe Decline of the Client SystemThe Army and the SystemConclusion3. Defense-in-DepthThe System in OutlineThe Changing ThreatThe New Borders of the EmpireWalled Towns and Hard-Point DefensesBorder TroopsProvincial ForcesCentral Field ArmiesConclusionEpilogue. The Three SystemsAppendix. Power and ForceNotesBibliographyIndex
£51.00
Johns Hopkins University Press Athens Burning
Book SynopsisAimed at students and scholars of ancient history, this highly accessible book will fascinate anyone interested in the burgeoning fields of refugee and diaspora studies.Trade Review... the attempt to humanize ancient warfare is a worthy endeavor and Garland is to be commended for managing this effort well, painting a vivid and universalizing picture of the human causes and consequences of war with which we can, sadly, too easily relate. Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewTable of ContentsList of IllustrationsPrologueI The Origins II The EvacuationIII The First BurningIV The Second BurningV The Post-War PeriodEpilogueAfterlifeA Note on the SourcesChronologyAcknowledgmentsNotesSuggested Further Reading
£43.00
Johns Hopkins University Press Athens Burning
Book SynopsisAimed at students and scholars of ancient history, this highly accessible book will fascinate anyone interested in the burgeoning fields of refugee and diaspora studies.Trade Review... the attempt to humanize ancient warfare is a worthy endeavor and Garland is to be commended for managing this effort well, painting a vivid and universalizing picture of the human causes and consequences of war with which we can, sadly, too easily relate. Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewTable of ContentsList of IllustrationsPrologueI The Origins II The EvacuationIII The First BurningIV The Second BurningV The Post-War PeriodEpilogueAfterlifeA Note on the SourcesChronologyAcknowledgmentsNotesSuggested Further Reading
£15.75
Johns Hopkins University Press Persian Interventions
Book SynopsisIts conclusions will interest not only specialists in both fields but students of ancient and modern comparative historical imperialism.Trade ReviewIn his original and significant contribution to this new historiography of the Persian Empire, Hyland (history, Christopher Newport Univ.) thoroughly analyzes Persian activities in the Aegean from the conclusion of the Peace of Kallias in 449 BCE to the imposition of the King’s Peace in 387 BCE . . . This important work belongs in the libraries of all universities offering courses in ancient history.—ChoiceQuestioning the traditional assumption that Persia was acting defensively in this period, playing Athens and Sparta off against each other to defuse their joint threat, Hyland reframes the story around Persia as the single world power of the era, with the Greek city states as minor satellites who posed no particular threat, but could be useful in fortifying the Great King's ideological claims to universal empire beyond the sea and the pacification of his borderlands.—Times Literary SupplementThis is a well-written and carefully researched alternative interpretation of a key period of Mediterranean history . . . it will also provide an illuminating case study for historians and political scientists on how a large and powerful empire sought to manage relations with the troublesome states on its margins.—American Historical ReviewTable of ContentsList of Tables and MapsAcknowledgmentsTranslations, Spelling, and Units of Measure1. Achaemenid Persia and the Greeks across the SeaThe Traditional ModelThe Image of Persian World SupremacyA New Approach2. Artaxerxes I and the Athenian PeaceThe Peace of KalliasThe Costs of PeaceThe Savings of PeaceThe Profits of PeaceThe Ideology of PeaceAdherence to Peace3. The Peloponnesian War and the Road to InterventionArtaxerxes I and the Peloponnesian WarDarius II and AthensSicily, Tribute, and Darius’s InterventionAgents of InterventionNegotiating Intervention4. Tissaphernes’s War and the Treaty of 411The Ionian War and Athenian ResilienceVictory over AmorgesRevising the Terms of AllianceQuarrel with Sparta and Contacts with AthensThe Treaty of 4115. The King’s Navy and the Failure of Satrapal InterventionDarius’s Ships and Tissaphernes’s WagesThe Ionian Garrison ExpulsionsThe Royal Fleet’s RecallThe Satraps at the HellespontPharnabazos’s Timbers6. Cyrus the Younger and Spartan VictoryThe Satraps on the DefensiveDarius and the Embassy of BoiotiosCyrus Takes CommandCyrus and Spartan DisasterCyrus and Lysander’s Road to VictoryPersia’s Victory7. Artaxerxes II and War with SpartaCyrus and the Second Loss of IoniaTissaphernes and Spartan InvasionNaval Escalation and Tissaphernes’s DownfallTithraustes’s Truce and Pharnabazos’s Defense of the NorthArtaxerxes’s Fleet and Victory at Knidos8. Persia, the Corinthian War, and the King’s PeaceTimokrates’s Mission to GreecePharnabazos’s RevengeKonon and Persian Aid to AthensTiribazos’s Folly and the Peace Talks of 392Strouthas and the Failure of Outreach to AthensThe King’s PeaceConclusion Notes BibliographyIndex
£47.50
Johns Hopkins University Press Killing for the Republic
Book SynopsisHow Rome's citizen-soldiers conquered the worldand why this militaristic ideal still has a place in America today. For who is so worthless or indolent as not to wish to know by what means and under what system of polity the Romans . . . succeeded in subjecting nearly the whole inhabited world to their sole governmenta thing unique in history?PolybiusThe year 146 BC marked the brutal end to the Roman Republic's 118-year struggle for the western Mediterranean. Breaching the walls of their great enemy, Carthage, Roman troops slaughtered countless citizens, enslaved those who survived, and leveled the 700-year-old city. That same year in the east, Rome destroyed Corinth and subdued Greece. Over little more than a century, Rome's triumphant armies of citizen-soldiers had shocked the world by conquering all of its neighbors. How did armies made up of citizen-soldiers manage to pull off such a major triumph? And what made the republic so powerful? In Killing for the Republic, Steele Brand eTrade ReviewBrand's book should be read with care by Americans as our republic enters its twilight . . . Readers of many tastes will receive great enjoyment from Brand's book.—William S. Smith, The American Conservative[Recommended] for general readers and students interested in the armies of the Roman Republic, and more specifically on the role that the citizen-soldiers played in shaping the history of Rome.—Fabrizio Biglino, Bryn Mawr Classical ReviewSteele Brand has done a service with this book . . . [He] has produced a novel examination of violence and virtue with undeniable contemporary relevance. An engaging and accessible work, Killing for the Republic warrants reading by all republicans.—Gil Barndollar, HumanitasTable of ContentsPreface. Why Care about Long-Dead Fighting Farmers?Prologue. The Roman and American RepublicsPart 1. Farmers, Citizens, and SoldiersChapter 1. The Soldier's Farm Chapter 2. The Citizen's Republic Part 2. The Making of Rome's Citizen-SoldiersChapter 3. Origins: Kingly Armies of the Roman Hills Chapter 4. Proving Ground: Surviving in Central Italy Part 3. The Triumph of Rome's Citizen-SoldiersChapter 5. Breakout: Competition and Discipline at Sentinum Chapter 6. The Greatest Trial: Beating Your Betters at New CarthageChapter 7. Triumph: Phalanx Killers at PydnaPart 4. The Death of Rome's Citizen-SoldiersChapter 8. Questionable Legitimacy: The Ideal Statesman's Battle at MutinaChapter 9. Suicidal Finish: Last Stand of the Citizen-Soldier at Philippi Epilogue. War Stories for the Emperor Acknowledgments Notes Index
£26.10
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Broken Legions
Book SynopsisThe Roman Empire rules the civilized world with an iron fist, seemingly all-powerful and limitless. And yet the power of Rome is secured not by its mighty legions but by small bands of warriors and agents fighting a secret war. Tasked by the Emperor to explore ancient temples, forgotten labyrinths, and beast-haunted caverns, they seek out artifacts hidden by the gods themselves, hunt creatures of myth, and face enemies that would use dark magic against the empire. Broken Legions is a set of fantasy skirmish rules for a war unknown to history, fought in the shadows of the Roman Empire. Various factions recruit small warbands to fight in tight, scenario-driven battles that could secure the mystical power to defend--or crush--Rome. A points system allows factions to easily build a warband, and mercenaries and free agents may also be hired to bolster a force. Heroes and leaders may possess a range of skills, traits, and magical abilities, but a henchman''s blade can be juTable of ContentsCore Rules/ Special Rules/ Equipment/ Magic & Miracles/ Scenarios/ Warband Rosters/ Free Agents & Hired Swords/ Monstrous Bestiary/ Campaign Advancement
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Early Iron Age Greek Warrior 1100700 BC
Book SynopsisThe period from the 12th century onward saw vast changes in every aspect of life on both the Greek mainland and islands, as monarchies disappeared to be replaced by aristocratic rule and finally by the development of a new form of community: the city-state. Alongside these changes, a new style of warfare developed, which was to be the determining factor in land warfare in Greece, until the 338 BC defeat of the Greek city-state, by the might of Macedonia at Chaeronea. This mode of warfare was based on a group of heavily armed infantrymen organized in a phalanx formation--the classic hoplite formation--and remained the system throughout the classical Greek period. This new title details this pivotal time, and the transition from the Bronze Age warriors of Homer to the origins of the men who fought the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars.Table of ContentsIntroduction Chronology Historical background Military organisation Weapons Chariotry Siege warfare Naval warfare The life of the warrior Warfare War campaigns museums and electronic resources Bibliography Glossary Index
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Mutina 43 BC
Book SynopsisIn the aftermath of the murder of Gaius Julius Caesar, his self-declared successor Mark Antony struggled to hold together his legacy. Following an abortive coup attempt by Caesar's adopted son Octavian, two of Antony's legions declared for him, leading to a renewed outbreak of civil war. Antony moved into northern Italy and invaded the city of Mutina, which was held by Decimus Brutus. There they were quickly sandwiched between the city walls on one side and the newly arrived Senate-backed forces of Octavian on the other.These two heirs of Caesar then fought to claim their former mentor's legacy. Fully illustrated with specially commissioned artwork and maps, this is the full story of the battles which would see Octavian move from being a young, inexperienced aristocrat to the dominating figure of Augustus.Table of ContentsOrigins of the campaign/ Chronology/ Opposing commanders/ Opposing armies/ Orders of battle/ Opposing plans/ The campaign/ Aftermath/ The battlefields today/ Further reading/ Index
£17.86
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Armies of Julius Caesar 5844 BC
Book SynopsisGaius Julius Caesar remains the most famous Roman general of all time. Although he never bore the title, historians since Suetonius have judged him to be, in practice, the very first ''emperor'' after all, no other name in history has been synonymous with a title of imperial rule. Caesar was a towering personality who, for better or worse, changed the history of Rome forever. His unscrupulous ambition was matched only by his genius as a commander and his conquest of Gaul brought Rome its first great territorial expansion outside the Mediterranean world. His charismatic leadership bounded his soldiers to him not only for expeditions ''beyond the edge of the world'' to Britain but in the subsequent civil war that raised him to ultimate power. What is seldom appreciated, however is that the army he led was as varied and cosmopolitan as those of later centuries, and it is only recently that a wider study of a whole range of evidence has allowed a more precise picture of it to emerge. DrTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION CHRONOLOGY ORGANIZATION OF THE CONSULAR ARMY Legiones Caesar's legionarii Equites Caesar's bodyguards COMMAND STRUCTURE Legati Praefecti Quaestores Tribuni and contubernales Centuriones Other 'non-commissioned' officers Socii auxiliaries Elephants ARMS & EQUIPMENT Shafted weapons: the pilum, gaesum and hasta Swords Daggers Belts Helmets Body protection Shields Equipment of socii auxiliaries Other equipment Clothing BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX
£13.49
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Roman Barbarian Wars The Era of Roman Conquest
Book SynopsisCovers Rome's centuries-long struggles with the tribal people of Europe - Celts, Germans and Iberians. Clear, accessible, fast-paced narrative of the campaigns and battles.
£17.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Religion and Classical Warfare Archaic and
Book SynopsisPart of a trilogy on religion in classical warfare which should become the standard work on the subject. This volume deals with Archaic and Classical Greece
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Great Generals of the Ancient World The
Book SynopsisReveals the secrets of military greatness, timeless principles of leadership applicable today
£23.75
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Germanicus The Magnificent Life and Mysterious
Book SynopsisGermanicus (a.k.a. Germanicus Iulius Caesar) was regarded by many Romans as a hero in the mould of Alexander the Great. His untimely death, in suspicious circumstances, ended the possibility of a return to a more open republic and ambitions for the outright conquest of Germania Magna (Germany). This, the first modern biography of Germanicus, is in parts a growing-up story, a history of war, a tale of political intrigue and a murder mystery. It is a natural sequel to the author's first book, Eager for Glory, which discussed the life of Germanicus' natural father, Nero Claudius Drusus, for the first time. Born in 15 BC, Germanicus grew up to be a skilled diplomat and bold soldier. Married to the granddaughter of Augustus (by whom he fathered the future Emperor Caligula) and responsible for avenging Rome's humiliating defeat at the Teutoburg Forest through victory at Idistaviso (AD16) and the recovery of one of the lost standards, his reputation and popularity were immense. The Emperor Ti
£16.19
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Carthage at War
Book SynopsisThe most in-depth study of Carthaginian warfare available in English.
£21.25
Edinburgh University Press Generalship in Ancient Greece Rome and Byzantium
Book SynopsisConsiders the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds.Trade Review"This stimulating and innovative collection of essays takes a traditional subject in ancient military history and reinvigorates it by shifting discussion away from a focus on 'great commanders' to analysis of ancient ideals and principles of military leadership, while also contextualising this discussion within a broader chronological and geographical framework." -Doug Lee, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History, University of Nottingham
£23.39
Pan Macmillan The Song of Simon de Montfort: England's First
Book Synopsis'Alive with human detail and acute political judgement, this book marks the arrival of a formidably gifted historian.' – Dan Jones, author of The Plantagenets and The TemplarsIt was around half-past eight in the morning, with summer rainclouds weighing heavy in the sky, that Simon de Montfort decided to die. It was 4 August 1265 and he was about to face the royal army in the final battle of a quarrel that had raged between them for years. Outnumbered, outmanoeuvred and certain to lose, Simon chose to fight, knowing that he could not possibly win the day. The Song of Simon de Montfort is the story of this extraordinary man: heir to a great warrior, devoted husband and father, fearless crusader knight and charismatic leader. It is the story of a man whose passion for good governance was so fierce that, in 1258, frustrated by the King’s refusal to take the advice of his nobles and the increasing injustice meted out to his subjects, he marched on Henry III’s hall at Westminster and seized the reins of power. Montfort established a council to rule in the King’s name, overturning the social order in a way that would not be seen again until the rule of Oliver Cromwell in the seventeenth century. Having defeated the King at the Battle of Lewes in 1264, Montfort and his revolutionary council ruled England for some fifteen months, until the enmity between the two sides exploded on that August day in 1265. When the fighting was over, Montfort and a host of his followers had been cut down on the battlefield, in an outpouring of noble blood that marked the end of chivalry in England as it had existed since the Norman Conquest. Drawing on an abundance of sources that allow us to trace Montfort’s actions and personality in a depth not possible for earlier periods in medieval history, Sophie Thérèse Ambler tells his story with a clarity that reveals all of the excitement, chaos and human tragedy of England’s first revolution.Trade ReviewOne of the finest medieval biographies of recent years. -- Gareth Russell * The Times *This is an astonishingly assured debut by an extremely talented young historian. Exhaustively researched and beautifully written, it traces the remarkable life of a military and political giant of the medieval period who has never been more convincingly portrayed -- Saul David * Daily Telegraph *It’s hard to get into the heads of people who lived 800 years ago. This book goes further than you might think possible, by a clever use of letters, legal documents and chronicles; at times, we really can hear this man speak . . . This is a remarkable book: beautifully presented (with good maps and illustrations), finely written and based on a deep, scholarly knowledge of the sources. It’s rare to find a story and a storyteller so well matched. -- Noel Malcolm * Sunday Telegraph *Sophie Therese Ambler’s engaging new biography will enthral and horrify in equal measure … The Song of Simon de Montfort is a well-researched, elegantly written and lively portrait of a problematic figure. Sunday Times * Sunday Times *Amid the valley of dry bones, Ambler breathes life into sources that might otherwise seem arid or dull. Her narrative is expertly paced. Whenever the story threatens to sag or falter, she skips over the drier deserts of fact, moving us from the routine to the remarkable . . . From Evesham to the killing fields of the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of the Roses, Simon de Montfort's chief legacy was slaughter and woe. This is, therefore, a song more of lament than of triumph. It is a song that Sophie Therese Ambler sings supremely well. -- Nicholas Vincent * Literary Review *Riveting . . . a vivid psychological portrait of the charismatic knight through small but enlightening details of character . . . The Song of Simon de Montfort is an engaging foray from a talented historian into one of the most important but least understood eras in English history. -- Emma J. Wells * TLS *A dramatic story, told here with clarity and insight * History Revealed *Sophie Thérèse Ambler is a dazzlingly talented historian and in her debut biography offers a bold and brilliantly written reassessment of one of (British) history’s most misunderstood figures – the reformer, rebel and scourge of the Plantagenets, Simon de Montfort. Alive with human detail and acute political judgement, this book marks the arrival of a formidably gifted historian. -- Dan JonesGripping, detailed, and ingenious, The Song of Simon de Montfort is a compelling and thrilling story of England's very first revolution. With her beautiful prose, Sophie Ambler successfully crosses the gap between narrative and academic history and brings Simon de Montfort vividly to life -- Dr Estelle Paranque, author of Elizabeth I of England Through Valois EyesFor such a pivotal figure in English history, Simon de Montfort’s remarkable story is one that has been sadly neglected by mainstream history books. Ambler’s riveting volume redresses the balance brilliantly, recounting the electrifying build-up to the nation’s first revolutionary movement and the emergence of a nascent Parliament with page-turning skill. -- Dan Jones * Waterstones Top History Books of 2019 *Table of ContentsSection - i: List of Illustrations Section - ii: Maps Section - iii: Epigraph Section - iv: Prologue Introduction - v: Introduction Section - vi: A Note on Money Chapter - 1: A Way of Living, and a Way of Dying Chapter - 2: A New Kingdom Chapter - 3: Love Chapter - 4: Holy War Chapter - 5: An Exemplar of Defeat Chapter - 6: Ruler of Gascony Chapter - 7: A New Enemy Chapter - 8: The Seizure of Power Chapter - 9: The Reform of the Kingdom Chapter - 10: Rule by Conscience Chapter - 11: Betrayal Chapter - 12: Revolution Chapter - 13: Triumph Chapter - 14: Disaster Chapter - 15: Evesham Section - vii: Epilogue Section - viii: Notes Index - ix: Index
£11.69
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Thirteen Roman Defeats: The Disasters That Made
Book SynopsisThere is no doubt that Rome developed one of the most efficient and successful military systems of the ancient world. The famous legions conquered from the Atlantic to the Euphrates, from the Scottish Highlands to the sands of the Sahara, defeating all manner of enemies. Although their victories were many, they were never invincible and did suffer significant defeats. Ian Hughes looks at thirteen such occasions, narrating the course of the fighting (in as much detail as the sources allow), describing the forces involved, the strategy and tactics employed and the reasons for the Roman defeat. The chosen battles span the centuries, from the disastrous battle against invading Celts at the Allia River in (387 or 386 BC) to the naval defeat by the Vandals off Cap Bon in AD 468\. They are selected either for the magnitude of the tactical defeat or the political and strategic significance of the outcome. Apart from the inherent interest in the individual battles, this study offers a survey of the development of the Roman forces evolving to survive.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Armies of the Hellenistic States 323 BC to AD 30:
Book SynopsisThis book provides a complete and detailed analysis of the organization and equipment employed by the armies of the Hellenistic States. After Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, his immense Macedonian empire was divided between his ambitious generals, who in turn formed their own monarchies across Eastern Europe, Asia and North Africa. This work will follow the development of the Hellenistic military forces from the army bequeathed by Alexander the Great to the complex military machines that succumbed one by one in the wars against the expanding Romans. As decades and centuries progressed, Hellenistic warfare became always more sophisticated: the 'diadochi' (Alexander's successors) could field armies with thousands of men, chariots, elephants and siege machines; these came from all the territories of the former Macedonian Empire. The book will also show how Hellenistic forces were strongly influenced by Roman models during the last years of independence of their kingdoms. The states analysed are: Macedon, Seleucid Empire, Ptolemaic Egypt, Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, Armenia, Pergamon, Pontus, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bosporan Kingdom, Epirus, Sicily, Achaean League and Aetolian League.
£17.99
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Battle of the Catalaunian Fields AD451:
Book SynopsisEvan Schultheis reconsiders the evidence for Attila the Hun's most famous battle, the climax of his invasion of the Western Roman Empire that had reached as far as Orleans in France. Traditionally considered one of the pivotal battles in European history, saving the West from conquest by the Huns, the Catalaunian Fields is here revealed to be significant but less immediately decisive than claimed. This new study exposes over-simplified views of Attila's army, which was a sophisticated and complex all-arms force, drawn from the Huns and their many allies and subjects. The 'Roman' forces, largely consisting of Visigoth and Alan allies, are also analysed in detail. The author, a reenactor of the period, describes the motives and tactics of both sides. Drawing on the latest historiography and research of the primary sources, and utilizing Roman military manuals, Evan Schultheis offers a completely new tactical analysis of the battle and a drastic reconsideration of Hun warfare, the Roman use of federates, and the ethnography of the Germanic peoples who fought for either side. The result is a fresh and thorough case study of battle in the 5th century.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Understanding Ancient Battle: Combat in the
Book SynopsisTraditional military history of battles focussed on the strategies of great leaders, though in modern times many scholars have discussed the ‘face of battle’, describing the personal experience of the ordinary soldier. But in between, there still lies a major gap in our understanding of ancient combat: the officer’s battle. This focuses on how units actually fought and manoeuvred in battle. Hugh Elton seeks to redress this through analysis of the interaction of equipment, morale, leadership, and terrain. After discussing source material and the general model of warfare the author follows, this book outlines by major periods what we know of equipment, organization and tactics, then shows how battle worked in a series of case studies including include Marathon, Issus, Cannae, Cynoscephalae, Mons Graupius, and Adrianople. A total of twenty-four battles are analyzed between the fifth-century BCE and the sixth century CE, covering the wars described by the great historians between Herodotus and Procopius, including accounts written by the soldiers Xenophon, Julius Caesar, and Ammianus Marcellinus.
£23.94
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Who Really Won the Battle of Marathon?: A bold
Book SynopsisThe Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, where an Athenian-led Greek force defeated a Persian invasion, is one of the most decisive battles in Antiquity and has been studied for centuries. It is famed as a triumph of the Greek hoplite heavy infantry phalanx against massively superior Persian numbers. But this exciting re-assessment of the evidence, including new archaeological findings, overturns many long-held assumptions. In particular the authors argue that the Greek numerical inferiority was less marked than previously thought, largely because the hoplites were accompanied by many light infantrymen who are given unprecedented credit for their role in the fighting. The contribution of these poorer citizens, it is argued, led to the immediate strengthening of democracy in Athens. The authors also tackle the much-debated mystery of the whereabouts of the Persian cavalry, generally thought to have been absent on the day of battle. Their bold answer is that it was not only present but played a central role in the fighting. However, the Greeks managed to defeat the Persian cavalry by their ingenious use of the terrain. Karyanos and Lagos also claim to have located the site of the Greek camp. This thoroughly researched and compelling re-assessment is an exciting new take on this justly famous event.
£23.75
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Wars of Justinian I
Book SynopsisJustinian I was the last great conquering Roman emperor, who dramatically increased the size of his realm although he never actually led an army in person. His long reign (527-565) was devoted to the challenging project of _renovatio imperii_, that is the renovation of Empire. His was the will and vision behind campaigns that saw the reconquest of Rome itself and Italy from the Ostrogoths, North Africa from the Vandals, and parts of Spain from the Visigoths. These grand schemes were largely accomplished through the services of two talented generals, Belisarius and Narses, and in spite of the distractions of wars against the Persians in the east for most of his reign and the devastation caused by bubonic plague. This is the only book available devoted to analysing all of Justinian's campaigns on the basis of the full range of sources. Besides narrating the course and outcome of these wars, Michael Whitby analyses the Roman army of the period, considering its equipment, organization, leadership, strategy and tactics, and considers the longer-term impact of Justinian's military ventures on the stability of the empire.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd Warriors of the Ancient Greek World
Book SynopsisThis in-depth visual guide, Warriors of the Ancient Greek World, boasts over 140 lavishly detailed photographed and illustrated recreations of the warrior panoplies of the fifth and fourth centuries BC. It covers the heavy infantry and cavalry of Greece and Macedonia, the light infantry and horsemen of the Thracian territories and the fighting men and women of the vast Persian and Scythian realms. The book has been crafted to show these ancient combatants in as much physical, gritty detail and character as possible. The combatants are seen torn from moments in time and dropped onto the page. It illustrates the range of distinct weapons and equipment carried by them, why it was needed and how it was made. It shows how the warriors may have looked whilst on campaign, mud, blood and all.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Macedonian Army of Philip II and Alexander
Book SynopsisThis book provides a complete and detailed analysis of the organization and equipment of the Macedonian army built by Philip II and later employed to world-changing effect by his son, Alexander III (the Great). This work explains how Philip took the traditional forces of Macedon and reformed them into the most modern and sophisticated combined-arms force in the Mediterranean world. Not only the formidable pike phalanx and the hard-charging Companion cavalry, but also the less famous components, such as light and cavalry types, are described in detail. The tactics employed in the great battles that won the largest empire the world had seen are analysed. With numerous colour photos showing replica weapons and equipment in use, this is a vivid, detailed and accessible study of the army that made Alexander great.
£18.00
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Army of the Early Roman Empire 30 BC-AD 180:
Book SynopsisThe legionary soldier of the early Empire period, with his distinctive segmented armour, is one of the images most closely associated by popular imagination with ancient Rome. Such soldiers conquered most of Britain, suffered and avenged the terrible disaster of the Teutoburg Forest and vanquished the fearsome Dacians across the Danube, a feat immortalized on Trajan's Column, as well as fighting many other tribes. In the East they overcame the Great Jewish Revolt and repeatedly contended with mixed success against the powerful Parthians. This was the army that enforced the so-called Pax Romana at the point of a gladius and maintained the greatest empire the world had yet seen. Of course, such troops were also employed to bloody effect in the many civil wars such as those of AD69, the Year of the Four of the Emperors'. Gabriele Esposito describes the tactics, organization and equipment of the Roman army at the height of its powers, considered by many to be the most efficient and powerful fighting force of the ancient world. He gives an overview of the most significant campaigns and considers in detail not only the iconic legionaries but also the various auxiliary units, including cavalry. His clear, accessible text is supported by dozens of colour photos of replica weapons, armour and other kit in use.
£21.25
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Han-Xiongnu War, 133 BC–89 AD: The Struggle
Book SynopsisThe Han-Xiongnu War (133 BC – AD 89) pitted the Han dynasty of China against a confederation of nomadic steppe peoples, the Xiongnu Empire. In campaigns waged on a huge scale by the standards of contemporary Western warfare (several hundred thousand soldiers were fielded at the Battle of Mobei in 119 BC, the two states fought for control of Central Asia, hungry for its rich resources and Western trade links. China’s victory set the stage for millennia of imperial rule and a vast sphere of influence in Asia. Scott Forbes Crawford examines the war in a lively, engaging narrative. He builds a mosaic encompassing the centuries of conflict through biographies of fifteen historical figures: the Chinese and Xiongnu emperors who first led their armies into battle; ‘peace bride’ Princess Jieyou, whose marriage to a steppe king forged a vital Chinese alliance; the explorer-diplomat Zhang Qian, who almost-inadvertently established the Silk Road, among other key individuals. Their stories capture the war’s breadth, the enduring impact on Han society and statecraft in what became a Chinese golden age, and the doomed resistance of the Xiongnu to an ever-strengthening juggernaut.
£18.00
Pen & Sword Books Ltd The Third Macedonian War and Battle of Pydna:
Book SynopsisThe Third Roman-Macedonian War was a disaster for Macedon, a defeat leading to the end of that kingdom's independence. This is usually attributed to an innate superiority of the Roman legionary tactics over the Macedonian system. Graham Wrightson, on the other hand, argues that the blame lies entirely with Perseus, the last king of Macedon. He analyses the whole war, following the primary source accounts and focusing on Perseus’ military decisions and his battlefield strategies. It confirms the prevailing view of the sources that Perseus was too hesitant and non-committal in his early conduct of the war. More significantly it argues that Perseus mishandled the Macedonian army when it comes to combined-arms tactics by adopting a defensive posture, particularly at the final battle of Pydna. The Macedonian military system based on a slow sarissa phalanx is suited entirely to an offensive battle plan coordinating a frontally irresistible phalanx in the centre and a rapid heavy cavalry attack on one wing. Most importantly, though, Perseus refused to spend money to hire 10,000 Gallic horsemen and the lack of cavalry cost him the initiative and the victory. This is a fascinating and thoroughly researched study of these dramatic events that adds fresh insight to the question of the legion's supposed supremacy over the phalanx.
£18.00
