The Athenian Army 507–322 BC

Nicholas Sekunda, Giuseppe Rava (Illustrator)

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English

Osprey
01 May 2025

History; Land forces & warfare

Series: Elite

This fully illustrated study explores the formidable Athenian army, rivalled only by the Spartan army in terms of battlefield prowess and influence.

In 508 BC, the reforms of Kleisthenes established the ten tribes of Athens, inaugurating a system of military organization that remained in place for nearly 200 years until Athens’ eclipse by the growing power of Macedon in the early 3rd century BC. Fully illustrated, this lively study investigates the development and effectiveness of the armies fielded by Athens during its many wars with its Greek neighbours, notably Sparta, and other opponents such as the Persian Empire. A variety of different troop types made up these armies, ranging from formidably armed and armoured hoplite heavy infantry to lightly armed archers, peltasts and cavalry.

In this book, Athens’ major wars and battles of the period are summarized, and important aspects contributing to the Athenian army’s battlefield prowess, influence and legacy, ranging from mobilization and training to the evolution of arms and armour, are examined in the light of the latest scholarship and archaeological finds. The eight colour plates reconstruct the appearance of components of the Athenian army at various stages of its development. The authoritative text is complemented by carefully chosen photographs, many in colour, depicting a variety of surviving artefacts, supported by informative captions.

By: Nicholas Sekunda
Illustrated by: Giuseppe Rava (Illustrator)
Imprint: Osprey
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 184mm, Spine: 8mm
Weight: 215g
ISBN: 9781472862808
ISBN 10: 1472862805
Series: Elite
Pages: 64
Publication Date: 01 May 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Nicholas Sekunda studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Manchester University and was awarded his PhD in 1981. He has taken part in archaeological excavations in Poland, Iran and Greece, and is currently teaching at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology in Torun, Poland. Giuseppe Rava, a leading military history artist, is inspired by the works of Detaille, Meissonier, Röchling, Lady Butler, Ottenfeld and Angus McBride.

Reviews for The Athenian Army 507–322 BC

Sekunda packs a lot of information into his text * Neil Smith * there are excellent colour plates and other illustrations for all the troop types * The Balkan Wargamer *