Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World, 3000 BC - AD 500

by Simon Anglim

Other authorset al

Hardcover, 2002

Status

Available

Call number

355.0093

Publication

Greenhill Books (2002), Hardcover, 256 pages

Description

A comprehensive and heavily illustrated guide to warfare in the ancient world. This essential guide to ancient warfare describes the fighting methods of soldiers in Europe and the Middle East in an age before gunpowder. From a detailed examination of the individual components of an ancient army and their equipment, to a fascinating exploration of ancient battle strategies, siege warfare, and naval battles, it explores the unique tactics required to win battles with the technology available. Using specially commissioned color and black-and-white artwork and 24 full-color tactical maps, this book shows in great detail the methods by which armies, including Assyrians and Roman forces, prevailed over their foes, and why other armies were less successful. This is a must-read for any reader interested in ancient warfare.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member setnahkt

A coffee table book on ancient warfare. “Ancient” here refers to the Mediterranean Classical world, nothing from China or India (except Alexander’s battle with Porus on the Hydaspes). Sections on infantry, cavalry, command and control, sieges, and naval warfare. Battle maps are color, full

page or page and a half, but are difficult to follow, with successive positions indicated by numbered text and arrows from the margins; it might have been better to use smaller maps but more of them to show unit movements. I was able to follow things because I already knew how all the battles worked out. Not bad if you want a one-volume book but if you have a serious interest I’d would go with books covering the individual battles. A short bibliography, mostly of other general works. A useful glossary, especially for Persian terms. No foot- or endnotes.

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LibraryThing member Luftwaffe_Flak

Very simple overview of the fighting styles of the ancient world. Lavishly illustrated the battle scene paintings are great. Neat in the fact that it includes very early periods with references to Assyrian/Egyptian/Hittite period sources for battles like Qadesh and others.

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