Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146742 in Books
• Published on: 2004-11-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 166 pages

Times Literary Supplement, April 15, 2005
This is a little book which is jam-packed with ideas and insight. This book offers an interesting and invigorating read.

Review
This is a little book which is jam-packed with ideas and insights. This book offers an interesting and invigorating read. (TLS )

I am addicted to this series of pocket-portable introductory lectures - they provoke active and reactive thought. (The Guardian )

Small but impressive (Soldier Magazine )

The Guardian
"I am addicted to this series of pocket-portable introductory lectures - they provoke active and reactive thought."

Customer Reviews

Not quite what you might expect
This is an interesting and thought provoking book, though rather than a factual introduction - as the title might suggest - it does rather go off the point into a debate about whether or not there ever was a uniquely Western style of war. Given the contraints implied by the "Very Short Introduction", this is a shame, as there is then little room for the book's proper subject matter: discussion of how ancient wars were actually fought does not appear until chapter 5 (of 7). But it does get going, and is then worth buying for chapters 5 and 6 alone.

Historical Warfare
Having read novels by this author I was interested to see what he would write about historical warfare. A well researched book but unlesss you like factual accounts (with a dry delivery) you really should stick to fiction and factions.