What do you think?
Rate this book
Greece and Rome at War
The renowned archeologist’s classic guide to twelve centuries of ancient military development, beautifully presented in colorful illustrations and diagrams. Generations of archeologists have been inspired by Peter Connolly’s beautifully rendered, highly detailed illustrations of ancient arms and armies. This comprehensive volume offers a bird’s eye view of not only battles, but the weapons, shields, and armor used centuries ago by Greek and Roman warriors. With extensive text describing each piece, this collection offers an ideal introduction to the subject of warfare in the ancient world spanning from 800 BC to 450 AD. Incorporating new archaeological research and the contributions of other scholars in the field, this new edition of Greece and Rome at War provides detailed explanations of the classical armies’ manufacture and use of their armaments. These full-color illustrations, maps, diagrams, and photographs bring the past to vivid life. Includes a preface by Adrian Goldsworthy.
947 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1981
67 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Peter Connolly
93 books43 followersPeter Connolly was a renowned British scholar of the ancient world, Greek and Roman military equipment historian, re-constructional archaeologist and illustrator. A research Fellow at Oxford in England. He was a regular contributor to such periodicals as the Journal of Roman Military Equipment and Roman Frontier Studies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 1, 2017
I can honestly say I really loved this book. Mr. Connolly put together a brilliant work that I will undoubtedly use many, many times for references. The pictures are extravagant, the drawings and color plates are genuinely useful, and the text is perfectly edited. I love it when an author is so well served for his efforts.
The best thing I really wanted to point out was how Mr. Connolly presents multiple reference discussion points on a single topic. An example would be if he says a Spartan army had 4000 men and various historians have been referenced with each having a differing value, he would present what each historian/ writer gave and why he did or did not accept the value. He essentially graded the value of each of his references openly so you the reader can judge for yourself. This was outstanding! I liked how he factored in politics, known partisanship, and known misinformation used by a reference to ensure a reader is left with a clear understanding and can also choose what additional reading sources he may want to get more wisely. Thank you sir!
The information is very high quality, and goes into tremendous details, complete with perfectly timed drawings or plates to give the reader an appropriate mental image going forward. The discussions on battles where little literature exists are delightful, as he assembles known facts like currents or land conditions and combines them with knowledge of military tactics to put forth several reasonable possibilities. He always points out which he believes to be the most likely, but is very clear that guesswork is just that. This illumination of just how little is actually known about some very significant battles actually surprised me, and shows how even battles like Thermopylae can have many real mysteries to this day. Connolly does a good job trying to solve them and presents his answers logically.
Books like this are such a treat for me; anyone who enjoys reading about history would find this book to be a real pleasure. There are a few small nitpicks and such I could throw out here, but honestly I would feel ashamed to cast any shade on this fine book at all. It is a worthy 5 Star book and actually would be granted a "+" to that 5 if I could grant it. Bravo!
Note: My version is the 1981 Prentice Hall edition, with the boring cover : ) Want to make sure I give credit to the right editors and publishers.
The best thing I really wanted to point out was how Mr. Connolly presents multiple reference discussion points on a single topic. An example would be if he says a Spartan army had 4000 men and various historians have been referenced with each having a differing value, he would present what each historian/ writer gave and why he did or did not accept the value. He essentially graded the value of each of his references openly so you the reader can judge for yourself. This was outstanding! I liked how he factored in politics, known partisanship, and known misinformation used by a reference to ensure a reader is left with a clear understanding and can also choose what additional reading sources he may want to get more wisely. Thank you sir!
The information is very high quality, and goes into tremendous details, complete with perfectly timed drawings or plates to give the reader an appropriate mental image going forward. The discussions on battles where little literature exists are delightful, as he assembles known facts like currents or land conditions and combines them with knowledge of military tactics to put forth several reasonable possibilities. He always points out which he believes to be the most likely, but is very clear that guesswork is just that. This illumination of just how little is actually known about some very significant battles actually surprised me, and shows how even battles like Thermopylae can have many real mysteries to this day. Connolly does a good job trying to solve them and presents his answers logically.
Books like this are such a treat for me; anyone who enjoys reading about history would find this book to be a real pleasure. There are a few small nitpicks and such I could throw out here, but honestly I would feel ashamed to cast any shade on this fine book at all. It is a worthy 5 Star book and actually would be granted a "+" to that 5 if I could grant it. Bravo!
Note: My version is the 1981 Prentice Hall edition, with the boring cover : ) Want to make sure I give credit to the right editors and publishers.
June 15, 2020
What a superb tomb this is. It was recommended by Simon Scarrow in an online talk that he gave, having used it as part of his own research. I can see why, with it giving clear reasoning for why the author used a particular source, while rejecting another. His thoughts on Polybius and Livy were very interesting; needless to say that I shall be less trusting of Livy in the future and more of Polybius, unless it involves any Scipio.
It is a thorough book and extremely interesting, detailing the Wars of Greece, followed by the wars of Rome, as opposed to just the wars against each other. It delves into specific battles, geography, tactics, religion, lifestyle, weapons, armour, siege, defence and more.
Oh, and it only cost me £6.99 including delivery, in perfect condition.
It is a thorough book and extremely interesting, detailing the Wars of Greece, followed by the wars of Rome, as opposed to just the wars against each other. It delves into specific battles, geography, tactics, religion, lifestyle, weapons, armour, siege, defence and more.
Oh, and it only cost me £6.99 including delivery, in perfect condition.
March 20, 2022
Good overall explanation of the phalanx and maniple, the development of the tactics as far as they are known and the organization and administration of Greek and Roman troops and other cultures touched and influenced by their campaigns
December 7, 2020
Fantàstica obra de consulta que sintetitza les tàctiques de combat, equipaments i principals conflictes de les antigues civilitzacions grega i romana, abraçant quasi 1000 anys d’història, des del S. IV aC fins al IV dC. Amb gran quantitat d’ilustracions, mapes i esquemes i en un llibre de gran format.
August 28, 2019
This is one of the best books out there on the structure, tactics and gear of the military of classical Rome and Greece. Well written, with beautiful illustrations, this will be a reference you will want to keep.
January 1, 2009
this was a fun read. wanted to know more of the historic side & timelines of ancient wars.
July 31, 2009
Useful entry point for classical ancient warfare.
August 19, 2009
Superbly illustrated, meticulously researched, the book is a treasure for anyone interested in the history of greeco-roman armies. My son had this book by his bedside for years.
September 22, 2017
Great reference work. This is not a field I know much about and very glad to have read this book, even though I don't know what it's competitors might be. Wish I had a copy
April 15, 2023
If we open Google Images and type "Roman Legionary" or "Greek Hoplite" most likely among the images that pop up, and I'm talking about drawings, there will be a drawing by Peter Connolly.
His work as a researcher, historian and artist lasted a lifetime and left a lot to all fans of the sector. Peter Connolly, who died in 2012, not only edited his books from a textual point of view, with an ease of exposure and serious analysis of the sources, but he also embellished them with his fantastic art and diagrams. The preface by Adrian Goldsworthy (another eminent antique history expert) is perfect in capturing the feelings of those who have found themselves in front of Connolly's books, with a passion that has often become a reason for living.
The book I present to you today does not really need much introduction, being perhaps Connolly's most important work, "Greece and Rome at War". There is no doubt that anyone who is fond of this rather long historical period that goes by the name of "Ancient History" and whoever has an interest in the military aspect of that history cannot fail to know this text which I would define as "seminal". It is in fact present in almost all the bibliographies of authors who treat antiquity from a purely military point of view.
But I have to write a review as if people don't know this amazing book, and then I pretend you really don't know it and are browsing it for the first time.
The book, first released in 1981 was reprinted several times. The volume we review today is reprinted thanks to Frontline Books in a paperback edition, but solid enough.
The book still amazes today for its drafting and clarity. Greece and Rome at war. Period. First part dedicated to Greece in its classical and then Hellenistic phase (with a good section dedicated to Alexander the Great), second part dedicated to Rome and the Western Mediterranean (the origins of Rome in short, and its clashes in the Republican era). A third part is dedicated to the Roman Empire, its expansion and its wars (divided in turn in the period up to 200 AD and from 200 AD to the fall, in 450 AD). Small appendices (small compared to the book, but certainly not insignificant) dedicated to the War on the Sea and the Siege War, with a final section dedicated to the Roman Military Costume.
Listing only one strength of the book would be like belittling it. Connolly's historical exposition (which manages to identify exactly the path taken by the Persian army to circumvent Leonidas at Thermopylae) clear and profound. The beautiful drawings of huge battle scenes, or amazingly reproduced figures. The clear diagrams that perfectly explain how the Manipular Legion or the Macedonian Phalanx moved. Again the drawings that represent the swords and other relics found in the excavations, the genealogy of the Greek or Roman-Celtic helmets etc.. Everything contributes to creating the perfect history book, useful to the historian, to the enthusiast, to the neophyte, to the model maker, even to those who do not understand anything of history and want to give birth to a love that will last a lifetime like Adrian Goldsworthy wrote in his preface.
His work as a researcher, historian and artist lasted a lifetime and left a lot to all fans of the sector. Peter Connolly, who died in 2012, not only edited his books from a textual point of view, with an ease of exposure and serious analysis of the sources, but he also embellished them with his fantastic art and diagrams. The preface by Adrian Goldsworthy (another eminent antique history expert) is perfect in capturing the feelings of those who have found themselves in front of Connolly's books, with a passion that has often become a reason for living.
The book I present to you today does not really need much introduction, being perhaps Connolly's most important work, "Greece and Rome at War". There is no doubt that anyone who is fond of this rather long historical period that goes by the name of "Ancient History" and whoever has an interest in the military aspect of that history cannot fail to know this text which I would define as "seminal". It is in fact present in almost all the bibliographies of authors who treat antiquity from a purely military point of view.
But I have to write a review as if people don't know this amazing book, and then I pretend you really don't know it and are browsing it for the first time.
The book, first released in 1981 was reprinted several times. The volume we review today is reprinted thanks to Frontline Books in a paperback edition, but solid enough.
The book still amazes today for its drafting and clarity. Greece and Rome at war. Period. First part dedicated to Greece in its classical and then Hellenistic phase (with a good section dedicated to Alexander the Great), second part dedicated to Rome and the Western Mediterranean (the origins of Rome in short, and its clashes in the Republican era). A third part is dedicated to the Roman Empire, its expansion and its wars (divided in turn in the period up to 200 AD and from 200 AD to the fall, in 450 AD). Small appendices (small compared to the book, but certainly not insignificant) dedicated to the War on the Sea and the Siege War, with a final section dedicated to the Roman Military Costume.
Listing only one strength of the book would be like belittling it. Connolly's historical exposition (which manages to identify exactly the path taken by the Persian army to circumvent Leonidas at Thermopylae) clear and profound. The beautiful drawings of huge battle scenes, or amazingly reproduced figures. The clear diagrams that perfectly explain how the Manipular Legion or the Macedonian Phalanx moved. Again the drawings that represent the swords and other relics found in the excavations, the genealogy of the Greek or Roman-Celtic helmets etc.. Everything contributes to creating the perfect history book, useful to the historian, to the enthusiast, to the neophyte, to the model maker, even to those who do not understand anything of history and want to give birth to a love that will last a lifetime like Adrian Goldsworthy wrote in his preface.
May 27, 2021
Comprehensive
Well, if youbwantvfull derails of the Greek and Roman military machines look no further: you will find it all here. I admit that sometimes I did glaze over a little at the level of detail but that is because for me it was just a casual read. If you are doing serious research it would be a different matter.
I am not knowledgeable enough about the period to comment on the accuracy of the material but it all seemed convincing.
A very informative and enjoyable read with many useful and interesting illustrations.
Well, if youbwantvfull derails of the Greek and Roman military machines look no further: you will find it all here. I admit that sometimes I did glaze over a little at the level of detail but that is because for me it was just a casual read. If you are doing serious research it would be a different matter.
I am not knowledgeable enough about the period to comment on the accuracy of the material but it all seemed convincing.
A very informative and enjoyable read with many useful and interesting illustrations.
October 18, 2022
Fantastic view into the Ancient Rome history
Very thorough, detailed but still interesting monumental work on Ancient Rome by one of the best experts on period. Strongly recommended!
Very thorough, detailed but still interesting monumental work on Ancient Rome by one of the best experts on period. Strongly recommended!
July 10, 2018
18/20.
Read
February 8, 2022Used for references
October 14, 2023
Sometimes the books we read are a result of a type of momentum, and that is the case with me and "Greece and Rome at War". It did not start with a book but with a film series, HBO's excellent "Rome". I was so fired up about the Roman world by watching that series that I read "The Twelve Caesars" and that lead to me looking for a non-fiction work which is the book I'm reviewing here.
I was actually just looking for a book on Rome but I don't mind that Greece is packaged here as well.
As is reasonable to expect, lots of ancient battles are covered in this book. Considering the scope of the work, Connolly could not go into great detail on each battle but he does pick two that he describes in-depth: The war between Greece and Persia, part of which features the famous Spartan "300, and the War between Hannibal and Rome.
The Greek battle is interesting to me because I get to learn what happens after the Spartans fell at Thermopylae - it turns out there was a massive sea battle. Reading about Hannibal fighting Rome turned out to be heart-wrenching because I've always been a Hannibal fan; he fought well though, and he died well, so there's that.
The book combines the level of detail of an academic work with interesting prose. I don't see anybody going into this book and complaining about the lack of detail. Connolly shows everything war-related; from armor, to weaponry, to fighting styles, battlefield tactics and strategy. This book is an awesome reference. The appendices focus on sea warfare and seigecraft and troop uniforms.
Coming in from Seutonius' "The Twelve Caesars" I wanted to know more about the military ranks and terminology of the Romans and I certainly got that and more. If you are fascinated by this particular aspect of the ancient world you'll find this book thorough and throroughly enjoyable.
I have two main takeaways from this book.
The first concerns the superiority of team effort vs. heroics. This is first manifested by the effectiveness or the Greek phalanx and, later on, by the Roman legions. It is noteworthy that the Romans would punish any soldier who broke rank and engage in irresponsible heroics.
My next takeaway is about the power of perseverance. This book shows that Rome's rise to dominance was no cakewalk. The Romans were simply and impressively resolute in being victorious; everytime they get knocked down they got up again. They were relentless and dauntless and they eventually ruled their world.
Find books that you might love in my book review site
I was actually just looking for a book on Rome but I don't mind that Greece is packaged here as well.
As is reasonable to expect, lots of ancient battles are covered in this book. Considering the scope of the work, Connolly could not go into great detail on each battle but he does pick two that he describes in-depth: The war between Greece and Persia, part of which features the famous Spartan "300, and the War between Hannibal and Rome.
The Greek battle is interesting to me because I get to learn what happens after the Spartans fell at Thermopylae - it turns out there was a massive sea battle. Reading about Hannibal fighting Rome turned out to be heart-wrenching because I've always been a Hannibal fan; he fought well though, and he died well, so there's that.
The book combines the level of detail of an academic work with interesting prose. I don't see anybody going into this book and complaining about the lack of detail. Connolly shows everything war-related; from armor, to weaponry, to fighting styles, battlefield tactics and strategy. This book is an awesome reference. The appendices focus on sea warfare and seigecraft and troop uniforms.
Coming in from Seutonius' "The Twelve Caesars" I wanted to know more about the military ranks and terminology of the Romans and I certainly got that and more. If you are fascinated by this particular aspect of the ancient world you'll find this book thorough and throroughly enjoyable.
I have two main takeaways from this book.
The first concerns the superiority of team effort vs. heroics. This is first manifested by the effectiveness or the Greek phalanx and, later on, by the Roman legions. It is noteworthy that the Romans would punish any soldier who broke rank and engage in irresponsible heroics.
My next takeaway is about the power of perseverance. This book shows that Rome's rise to dominance was no cakewalk. The Romans were simply and impressively resolute in being victorious; everytime they get knocked down they got up again. They were relentless and dauntless and they eventually ruled their world.
Find books that you might love in my book review site
March 19, 2022
Libro clásico de divulgación sobre la historia y arqueología militar romana, conocidísimo por las reconstrucciones ilustradas por propio autor, un verdadero especialista en el área. Eso sí, aunque es un libro anticuado en ciertos aspectos tras 40 años de su publicación original, sigue siendo esencial en la biblioteca de cualquier interesado y/o aficionado al tema.
August 29, 2008
This is an excellent primer on the subject.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews