Ancient Warfare

A Very Short Introduction

Harry Sidebottom (Merton College, Oxford)

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English

Oxford University Press
01 January 2005

History; General & world history; Ancient history: to c 500 CE; Warfare & defence

Series: Very Short Introductions

Greek and Roman warfare differed from other cultures and was unlike any other forms of warfare before and after. The key difference is often held to be that the Greeks and Romans practised a 'Western Way of War', where the aim is an open, decisive battle, won by courage instilled in part by discipline. Harry Sidebottom looks at how and why this 'Western Way of War' was constructed and maintained by the Greeks and Romans, why this concept is so popular and prevalent today, and at whether or not this is an accurate interpretation.

All aspects of ancient warfare are thoroughly examined - from philosophy and strategy to the technical skills needed to fight. He looks at war in the wider context - how wars could shape classical society, and how the individual's identity could be constructed by war, for example the Christian soldier fighting in God's name. He also explores the ways in which ancient society thought about conflict: Can a war be just? Why was siege warfare particularly bloody? What role did divine intervention play in the outcome of a battle?

Taking fascinating examples from the Iliad, Tacitus, and the Persian Wars, Sidebottom uses arresting anecdotes and striking visual images to show that the any understanding of ancient war is an ongoing process of interpretation.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

By: Harry Sidebottom (Merton College Oxford)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 174mm, Width: 110mm, Spine: 12mm
Weight: 168g
ISBN: 9780192804709
ISBN 10: 0192804707
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 192
Publication Date: 01 January 2005
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

1: 'On my command unleash hell!' The Western Way of War? 2: Thinking with war 3: War and Society 4: Thinking about war 5: Strategy, Campaigns, and Logistics 6: Fighting 7: 'Some people don't know when they are beaten.' Imagining war.

Reviews for Ancient Warfare: A Very Short Introduction

`I am addicted to this series of pocket-portable introductory lectures. Harry Sidebottom fairly presumes that you wouldn't know a hoplite if one thrust a spear at you, and that you grasped legionary tactics from watching the DVD of Gladiator. The book manages to cover practical fighting from the Iliad to Islam's challenge to Byzantium; war as personal and state metaphor in Greece and Rome; strategy and motivation on sea and land; and then nips briskly on to historians' re-evaluations of the above - in 128 neat pages plus extra reading list and a wicked chronology. Got that? Right, then. Fall in.' Guardian Review