Twilight of the Hellenistic World by Mike Roberts

by Mike Roberts

This work recounts and analyzes the complex series of conflicts between the Hellenistic successor states in the generation before the Romans intervened in, and ultimately conquered, the region. This period is rarely treated in any depth, usually warranting little more than a summary as context for discussion of the Roman conquests.

Genres: History, Ancient History, Military History, Greece

Hardcover

First published September 15, 2011

About the author

There are more than one author with this name

Mike Roberts is a social worker by training but has had a long-standing interest in the military history of the Classical world. He is the co-author (with his good friend Bob Bennett) of several well-received books: The Wars of Alexander’s Successors (volumes I and II); The Twilight of the Hellenistic World and The Spartan Supremacy. He lives in Dudley.

Reviews

[Jo Walton]

Good parts -- detailed use of Polybius and Plutarch, very Greek centered as opposed to being Roman centered as so much on this period is, covers a period of history where there isn't really much else recent out there, and he's clearly been to the sites and paid attention -- a good feel for the physical reality of locations.

Bad parts -- very heavily militarily oriented, to the point where there's practically no discussion of anything but military affairs and everything is considered as leading up to a battle. I'd have happily lost the multiple battle plans (which look terrible on the Kindle anyway) in favour of a bit of discussion on the social aspects of life. Also, Roberts never saw a cliche or a tired simile he didn't like.

I can't really recommend this except to those obsessed with the Hellenistic period and military buffs

[Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as It was recommended to me for a board game that will be coming out soon called Hubris. The Hellenistic Age is something I didn't know much about and how much power Greece had. The book follows the Macedonians, Seleucids, and Ptolemaic Egyptian empires. And how their quest for expansions brought them to an end and not being able to unite. The authors make this pretty confusing to follow as they don't give much background information, and I guess, assume you know a lot about what happened before. A lot of confusing names and jumping back and forth. But the maps were helpful, and getting the general jest of the period was helpful. The book doesn't cover any of the powers being conquered or anything.

[Mick Maye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have briefly delved into this period before and honestly found it engrossing. The author covers the various regimes and dynasties remarkably well. It was a pleasure reading this book.