Download or read book Hellenistic Infantry Reform in the 160 s BC written by Nick Sekunda and published by Oficyna Naukowa. This book was released on 2001 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is a study of how the Ptolemaic and Seleucid infantry were reorganized to make them more successful and more competitive against the might of the Romans. The author argues that in the 160s BC, the Ptolemaic and Seleucid infantry were subject to re-organization and reform to try to combat the military might of the Romans. This Romanization of the military took the form of new tactics and changes in the organization and in the equipment given to the soldier, with evidence coming from archaeological, literary, epigraphic and iconographic sources. The book looks at the pre-Romanized organization of the infantry providing background to the later reforms.
Download or read book The Army of Ptolemaic Egypt 323 204 BC written by Paul Johstono and published by Pen and Sword Military. This book was released on 2020-12-14 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A study reconstructed through a wide range of ancient sources, from histories to documentary papyri and inscriptions to archaeological finds. The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt and much of the eastern Mediterranean basin for nearly 300 years. As a Macedonian dynasty, they derived much of their legitimacy from military activity. As an Egyptian dynasty, they derived much of their real wealth and power from maintaining a secure hold on their new homeland. As lords of a far-flung empire, they maintained much of their authority through garrisons and the threat of military action. To achieve this they devoted much of their activity to the development and maintenance of a large army and navy. This work focuses on the period of the first four Ptolemies, from the acquisition of Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great to the great battle of Raphia more than a century later. It offers a study of the Ptolemaic army as an institution, and of its military operations, both reconstructed through a wide range of ancient sources, from histories to documentary papyri and inscriptions to archaeological finds. It examines the reasons for Ptolemaic successes and failures, the causes and nature of military change and reform, and the particular details of the Ptolemaic army's soldier classes, unit organization, equipment, tactics, and the Ptolemaic state’s strategy to compile a military history of the golden age of one of the classical world's significant forces.
Download or read book Soldiers Silver written by Michael J. Taylor and published by University of Texas Press. This book was released on 2020-12-01 with total page 233 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Taylor’s study critically compares the manpower and revenues of Republican Rome with those of Carthage and the Antigonid, Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms.” —Dominic Rathbone, author of Civilizations of the Ancient World By the middle of the second century BCE, after nearly one hundred years of warfare, Rome had exerted its control over the entire Mediterranean world, forcing the other great powers of the region—Carthage, Macedonia, Egypt, and the Seleucid empire—to submit militarily and financially. But how, despite its relative poverty and its frequent numerical disadvantage in decisive battles, did Rome prevail? Michael J. Taylor explains this surprising outcome by examining the role that manpower and finances played, providing a comparative study that quantifies the military mobilizations and tax revenues for all five powers. Though Rome was the poorest state, it enjoyed the largest military mobilization, drawing from a pool of citizens, colonists, and allies, while its wealthiest adversaries failed to translate revenues into large or successful armies. Taylor concludes that state-level extraction strategies were decisive in the warfare of the period, as states with high conscription and low taxation raised larger, more successful armies than those that primarily sought to maximize taxation. Comprehensive and detailed, Soldiers and Silver offers a new and sophisticated perspective on the political dynamics and economies of these ancient Mediterranean empires. “An interesting read . . . Taylor has succeeded at clarifying an often-unclear topic with some fine scholarship.” —Ancient World Magazine “Taylor considers the systems of all of the major players in the Mediterranean state system . . . and that fact alone puts this study head and shoulders above similar older efforts.” —A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry
Download or read book Conflict in Ancient Greece and Rome 3 volumes written by Sara Elise Phang and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2016-06-27 with total page 1504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The complex role warfare played in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations is examined through coverage of key wars and battles; important leaders, armies, organizations, and weapons; and other noteworthy aspects of conflict. Conflict in Ancient Greece and Rome: The Definitive Political, Social, and Military Encyclopedia is an outstandingly comprehensive reference work on its subject. Covering wars, battles, places, individuals, and themes, this thoroughly cross-referenced three-volume set provides essential support to any student or general reader investigating ancient Greek history and conflicts as well as the social and political institutions of the Roman Republic and Empire. The set covers ancient Greek history from archaic times to the Roman conquest and ancient Roman history from early Rome to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. It features a general foreword, prefaces to both sections on Greek history and Roman history, and maps and chronologies of events that precede each entry section. Each section contains alphabetically ordered articles—including ones addressing topics not traditionally considered part of military history, such as "noncombatants" and "war and gender"—followed by cross-references to related articles and suggested further reading. Also included are glossaries of Greek and Latin terms, topically organized bibliographies, and selected primary documents in translation.
Download or read book The Macedonian Phalanx written by Richard Taylor and published by Pen and Sword Military. This book was released on 2020-12-02 with total page 659 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An overview on one of the most successful infantry formations used by Alexander the Great and his successors to dominate the ancient world. The Macedonian pike phalanx dominated the battlefields of Greece and the Near and Middle East for over two centuries. It was one of the most successful infantry formations of the ancient world, only rivaled by the manipular formation of the Roman legions. The phalanx was a key factor in the battlefield success of Alexander the Great and after his death dominated the armies of his Successors (the Diadochoi), who ruled from Greece and Egypt to the borders of India. Richard Taylor gives an overview of the phalanx’s development, organization, equipment and training. He analyses the reasons for its success, with an emphasis on case studies of the many battles in which it was used, from Philip II’s reign to the Mithridatic Wars. He discusses whether the famous defeats by the Romans necessarily mean it was inherently inferior to the manipular legion tactics, and considers what other factors were in play. The clear, accessible and well-researched text is supported by diagrams and battle maps, making this an outstanding study of this mighty formation.
Download or read book Warfare in Ancient Greece written by Tim Everson and published by The History Press. This book was released on 2004-11-18 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discussing the background, weapons and tactics of the ancient Greeks, this title describes the weapons, armour, chariots and other military equipment used from 1550 to 150 BC. It traces how and when various pieces of equipment came into use; where they were introduced from; the effectiveness of the equipment; and when and why things changed.
Download or read book Armies of the Macedonian and Punic Wars written by Duncan Head and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2012-04-09 with total page 356 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ñArmies of the Macedonian and Punic Warsî is an important member of the WRG Ltd ñArmies and Enemiesî series. First published in 1983, it has long been out-of-print and we are delighted to make it available once more. It includes details of Persian, Gr
Download or read book Hoplites at War written by Paul M. Bardunias and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2016-09-14 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It has been 2500 years since the Greek heavy infantry known as hoplites dominated the battlefield. Yet they still capture the imagination today, through a wave of successful action films, novels and documentaries. The mass-media popularity of these famed warriors has, however, helped spawn a number of misconceptions about them. Drawing on classical literature, archaeology and the latest data from physical, behavioral and medical science, this study of hoplite equipment, tactics and command seeks to separate modern myths from observable facts. The authors resolve some persistent controversies and advance new theories about the nature of ancient Greek warfare.
Download or read book The Epigraphy of Ptolemaic Egypt written by Alan Bowman and published by Oxford Studies in Ancient Docu. This book was released on 2020 with total page 382 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This collection of detailed studies of the epigraphical landscape of Ptolemaic Egypt explores the historical and cultural contexts of the surviving Greek and Greek/Egyptian bilingual and trilingual inscriptions as a complement to the Corpus of Ptolemaic Inscriptions edition, in which the texts will be presented together for the first time.
Download or read book The Macedonian War Machine 359 281 BC written by David Karunanithy and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2013-11-19 with total page 847 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “[A] splendid and scholarly work . . . an essential guide for all serious students of military history and warfare in the age of Alexander.”—Professor Waldemar Heckel, University of Calgary The army that emerged from the reforms of Philip II of Macedon proved to be one of the most successful in the whole of the ancient period. Much has been written on aspects of Macedonian warfare, particularly the generalship of its most famous proponent, Alexander the Great, yet many studies retread the same paths and draw conclusion on the same narrow evidential base, while leaving important aspects and sources of information untouched. David Karunanithy concentrates on filling the gaps in existing studies, presenting and studying evidence frequently overlooked or ignored. The book is divided into four sections, each presenting a wealth of detail on various aspects: Preparation (including chapters on training techniques, various aspects of arms and armor production and supply and the provision and management of cavalry mounts); Support (eg noncombatant specialists, bridge building, field engineering, construction of field camps and little-known combat units in Asia); Dress and Battle Equipment (drawing on much neglected evidence and including such details as officers’ plumes, wreaths and finger rings); Alexander’s Veterans and Life on Campaign (the Silver Shields; baggage trains and personal kit, servants and families, camp life and recreation). “Karunanithy’s achievement is to draw together all the available evidence—artistic, numeristic, archaeological and literary—producing a thoroughly readable and coherent work . . . it should be a mandatory acquisition for anyone with an interest in the history of ancient Macedonia and its military.”—Ancient Warfare
Download or read book Greek and Macedonian Land Battles of the 4th Century B C written by Fred Eugene Ray, Jr. and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2012-10-06 with total page 245 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With its mixture of famous battles and storied commanders, warfare in 4th century B.C. Greece has long held a fascination for military enthusiasts and the general public alike. Histories, biographies, and popular culture have turned the exploits of noted generals like Xenophon and Iphicrates of Athens, Epaminondas of Thebes, and the father-son team of Philip II and Alexander the Great of Macedonia into the stuff of legend. Drawing from ancient accounts along with suitable analogs, this detailed work offers meticulous reconstructions of 187 of the 4th century's most significant land engagements, considering tactical patterns, evolving trends, and the lasting impact of the era's most influential military minds. By separating myth from reality, these recreations provide incredible insight into past ways of war that continue to influence the course of combat today.
Download or read book Hellenistic Land Battles 300 167 BCE written by Fred Eugene Ray, Jr. and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2020-09-11 with total page 237 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Hellenistic Period (323-31 BCE) saw the Grecian phalanx--long dominant in Mediterranean warfare--challenged by legionary formations from the rising city-state of Rome. The Roman way of war would come to eclipse phalanx-based combat by the 160s yet this was not evident at the time. Rome suffered numerous defeats against the phalanxes of Pyrrhus and Hannibal, its overseas campaign against the brilliant Spartan mercenary Xanthippus met disaster, and several Roman victories over Hellenistic foes were not decisive. The story of combat in this pivotal era is not well documented. This book for the first time provides detailed tactical analyses for all 130 significant land engagements of Hellenistic armies 300-167 BCE.
Download or read book Army and Society in Ptolemaic Egypt written by Christelle Fischer-Bovet and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2014-04-10 with total page 475 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This is the only substantial and up-to-date reference work on the Ptolemaic army. Employing Greek and Egyptian papyri and inscriptions, and building on approaches developed in state-formation theory, it offers a coherent account of how the changing structures of the army in Egypt after Alexander's conquest led to the development of an ethnically more integrated society. A new tripartite division of Ptolemaic history challenges the idea of gradual decline, and emphasizes the reshaping of military structures that took place between c.220 and c.160 BC in response to changes in the nature of warfare, mobilization and demobilization, and financial constraints. An investigation of the socio-economic role played by soldiers permits a reassessment of the cleruchic system and shows how soldiers' associations generated interethnic group solidarity. By integrating Egyptian evidence, Christelle Fischer-Bovet also demonstrates that the connection between the army and local temples offered new ways for Greeks and Egyptians to interact.
Download or read book Antiochus the Great written by Michael Taylor and published by Pen and Sword. This book was released on 2013-09-20 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A teenage king in 223 BC, Antiochus III inherited an empire in shambles, ravaged by civil strife and eroded by territorial secessions. He proved himself a true heir of Alexander: he defeated rebel armies and embarked on a campaign of conquest and reunification. Although repulsed by Ptolemy IV at the Battle of Raphia, his eastern campaigns reaffirmed Seleucid hegemony as far as modern Afghanistan and Pakistan. Returning westward, he defeated Ptolemy V at Panion (200 BC) and succeeded in adding Koile Syria to the Seleucid realm. ??At the height of his powers, he challenged growing Roman power, unimpressed by their recent successes against Carthage and Macedon. His expeditionary force was crushed at Thermopylae and evacuated. Refusing to bow before Roman demands, Antiochus energetically mobilized against Roman invasion, but was again decisively defeated at the epic battle of Magnesia. Despite the loss of territory and prestige enshrined in the subsequent Peace of Apamea, Antiochus III left the Seleucid Empire in far better condition than he found it. Although sometimes presented as a failure against the unstoppable might of Rome, Antiochus III must rank as one of the most energetic and effective rulers of the Ancient world.??As well as narrating the eventful career of Antiochus III, Michael Taylor examines Seleucid military organization and royal administration.
Download or read book Ancient Egypt written by Alan B. Lloyd and published by . This book was released on 2014-06 with total page 392 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In Ancient Egypt: State and Society, Alan B. Lloyd attempts to define, analyse, and evaluate the institutional and ideological systems which empowered and sustained one of the most successful civilizations of the ancient world for a period in excess of three and a half millennia. The volume adopts the premise that all societies are the product of a continuous dialogue with their physical context - understood in the broadest sense - and that, in order to achieve a successful symbiosis with this context, they develop an interlocking set of systems, defined by historians, archaeologists, and anthropologists as culture. Culture, therefore, can be described as the sum total of the methods employed by a group of human beings to achieve some measure of control over their environment. Covering the entirety of the civilization, and featuring a large number of up-to-date translations of original Egyptian texts, Ancient Egypt focuses on the main aspects of Egyptian culture which gave the society its particular character, and endeavours to establish what allowed the Egyptians to maintain that character for an extraordinary length of time, despite enduring cultural shock of many different kinds.
Download or read book The Army of the Roman Republic written by Michael Sage and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2016-03-30 with total page 463 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the moment its last king was expelled (traditionally in 753) the Roman republic had to fight for its very survival. Centuries of almost continuous warfare saw Romes armies evolve in response to a wide variety of threats which were met with mixed fortunes though always with ultimate success. As defence of the homeland turned to territorial expansion, Roman forces also had to adapt to sustained campaigns in varied terrain and climates, not to mention the changes in the Roman republic itself. Michael Sage traces the development of the republics army from its foundation (having first set the context of their regal antecedents), down to the time of its most famous leader, Julius Caesar. The transition from clan-based forces, through the Servian levy and the development of the manipular and cohortal legion is examined along with the associated weapons, tactics and operational capabilities. We see how the legions shaped up against the challenges of successive enemies from the Celts and Samnites, the Carthaginians and the hitherto-dominant Hellenistic armies based on the Macedonian-style pike phalanx.
Download or read book A Companion to Ancient Egypt 2 Volume Set written by Alan B. Lloyd and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-05-06 with total page 1352 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This companion provides the very latest accounts of the major and current aspects of Egyptology by leading scholars. Delivered in a highly readable style and extensively illustrated, it offers unprecedented breadth and depth of coverage, giving full scope to the discussion of this incredible civilization. Provides the very latest and, where relevant, well-illustrated accounts of the major aspects of Egypt?s ancient history and culture Covers a broad scope of topics including physical context, history, economic and social mechanisms, language, literature, and the visual arts Delivered in a highly readable style with students and scholars of both Egyptology and Graeco-Roman studies in mind Provides a chronological table at the start of each volume to help readers orient chapters within the wider historical context
