Battles of the Ancient World 1285 BC - AD 451: From Kadesh to Catalaunian Field

by Kelly DeVries

Battles of the Ancient World introduces 20 key battles from Europe and the Middle East in a 2000-year period defined by the great empires of the Ancient world: the Egyptians, Assyrians, Persians, Greek city states, Macedonians, Romans, and Carthaginians.

Beginning with the battle of Kadesh (1285 BC), where Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II outmaneuvered the Hittites massed chariot formations, and finishing with the battle of Catalaunian Field (AD 451), where a combined force of Romans and Visigoths defeated Atilla’s Hunnic army in a very bloody battle, the book features examples of every type of Ancient warfare. Battles of the Ancient World includes the devastatingly-effective use of the Greek-style phalanx at Marathon (490 BC), Gaugamela (331 BC), and Hydaspes (326 BC); great cavalry battles, such as Hannibal’s destruction of the Romans at Cannae (216 BC) and the Parthian victory at Carrhae (53 BC); and the decisive sea battles of Salamis (480 BC) and Actium (31 BC). Lively accounts of other famous battles, such as Alesia (52 BC), where Julius Caesar destroyed the Gaulish army and subjugated Gaul, and Teutoberger Wald (AD 9), where Germanic tribes slaughtered three powerful Roman legions almost to the last man, are described in vivid detail.

Each battle includes an introduction to place it in context, a concise account of the action, and an analysis of the aftermath. A speciallycommissioned color map illustrating the dispositions and movement of forces brings the subject to life and helps the reader to grasp—at a glance—the development of the battle.

With more than 200 color and black-and-white maps, artworks, andphotographs illustrating the battles, leading figures, and tactics of the era, Battles of the Ancient World provides a useful and accessible introduction to some key battles of the Ancient era. Designed for both the general reader and enthusiast, the book is an essential companion for anyone interested in the history of Ancient warfare.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Military Fiction, Ancient History, Research, Military History, World History

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Kelly DeVries (born December 23, 1956) is an American historian specializing in the warfare of the Middle Ages. He is often featured as an expert commentator on television documentaries. He is professor of history at Loyola University Maryland and Honorary Historical Consultant at the Royal Armouries, UK.

Reviews

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief overview of assorted battles. 8-12 page overviews including maps, pictures, who fought who, and how the battle happened.

Covers Kadesh, Lachish, Marathon, Salamis, Syracuse, Leuctra, Gaugamela, Hydaspes, Trebia, Cannae, Pydna, Aqua Sextae, Carrhae, Alesia, Actium, Teutoberger Wald, Masada, Milvian Bridge, Adrianople, Catalunian Field.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I like to read me to sleep at night - it's my guilty pleasure. Great illustrations, and CGI drawings of the order-of-battle for each of the major conflicts.

[Zachary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty great description of most of the more famous battles of ancient history, though some battles are conspicuously missing (Thermopylae and Zama, for example).

This book also serves as a decent general history of warfare for the period, showing how militaries changes from the time of the Egyptians and Hittites, through the Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, and finally the Romans and the various peoples they encountered.

Some of the battles were a bit confusing, and I would've liked more detailed diagrams of how they progressed, but I understand this might be just a limit of the medium. Even with the fog of war and time, it's remarkable how much we know about some of these battles, even if such knowledge only leaves me wanting to know more details.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was entertaining, and the subject matter was interesting to me. I found the descriptions a little bland. Which is good, because the illustrations were bland too. Two peas in a pod.

Part of my extensive Barnes and Noble discount shelf collection.

[Kajah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun book with all sorts of maps, paintings, prints and concise descriptions of the battles and their context. I almost want to give it four stars just because of how fun it is to look at but I think this would be misleading. FYI, I acquired my copy for 9.98 at Barnes and Nobles!

[John D DeWeese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent overview of the biggest battles of the ancient world and provides detailed maps and descriptions of the tactics used. I'm a bit of a history buff but learned a number of things in this book. My only complaint is it focuses on Middle East/Europe.

[Alberto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but A LOT of factual errors.

[Martin Dolezal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Podrobnější a poutavější než nedávno přečtené české bitvy. Výborné mapky, každá bitva cca 10 stran textu a obrázků.