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Assassinations that Shaped the Ancient World
Assassination! Just mentioning the word is enough to send a shiver up the spine. And yet, for many years, the deliberate act of 'taking out' notable public figures has been the mainstay of political factions and individuals when faced with problems and dilemmas that discussion and debate cannot solve. Most monarchs, statesmen and military commanders of the ancient world, whether they were successful or failures, had to deal with threats. At one stage or another in their careers, they would all have been vulnerable to unexpected attacks. They would all have been potential targets for assassin's blades or poison. And they knew it.
So common was the assassination of notable individuals that it became almost an occupational hazard in the ancient world. From Pharaoh Teti, the first recorded victim of assassination, to Julius Caesar, despatched on the Ides of March, from Pompey the Great to Commodious, the Gladiator Emperor of Rome, so many rulers perished before their allotted period of time.
In this new book, Phil Carradice takes a broad sweep at assassinations in the ancient world. Beginning with the Egyptian Empire, it traces the assassin's art through Greek, Roman, Biblical, Chinese, Byzantine and other periods or empires, up to and including the Kings and Emperors of the Dark Ages. The book does not stop there. It examines individual assassinations, motivation and practice and looks at assassination groups such as the thugee of India and the Sacred Band of Thebes.
So common was the assassination of notable individuals that it became almost an occupational hazard in the ancient world. From Pharaoh Teti, the first recorded victim of assassination, to Julius Caesar, despatched on the Ides of March, from Pompey the Great to Commodious, the Gladiator Emperor of Rome, so many rulers perished before their allotted period of time.
In this new book, Phil Carradice takes a broad sweep at assassinations in the ancient world. Beginning with the Egyptian Empire, it traces the assassin's art through Greek, Roman, Biblical, Chinese, Byzantine and other periods or empires, up to and including the Kings and Emperors of the Dark Ages. The book does not stop there. It examines individual assassinations, motivation and practice and looks at assassination groups such as the thugee of India and the Sacred Band of Thebes.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2025
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 29, 2025
Quick Summary: A non-fiction/history read
My Review: Assassinations That Shaped the Ancient World by Phil Carradice is a 2025 release.
About the Book: "In this new book, Phil Carradice takes a broad sweep at assassinations in the ancient world. Beginning with the Egyptian Empire, it traces the assassin's art through Greek, Roman, Biblical, Chinese, Byzantine and other periods or empires, up to and including the Kings and Emperors of the Dark Ages. The book does not stop there. It examines individual assassinations, motivation and practice and looks at assassination groups such as the thugee of India and the Sacred Band of Thebes."
My Final Say: This book proved to be interesting, informative, opinionated to a degree, and thought provoking. There was so much content to consider and such different perspectives offered on familiar cases that it caused me to want to conduct my own detailed research.
I, particularly, liked the introduction and the chapter one considerations on how the author chose to categorize and/or approach assassinations. I found the inclusion of plots, plotters, methods, and tools to be extremely captivating. The most fascinating mention related to the female assassins from Japan, the assassination bands and sects of India, and the assassination gangs of Thebes. I also appreciated the mention of Teti.
While I liked the writer's attempt to do a broad stroke on assassinations over the course of time, I cannot help but wonder if a more specific temporal based series might have worked better for this type of material. There was a lot of information presented. I would have liked to delve deeper, if possible. Also, the tie in between historical accounts and personal views was very evident.
Because I was reading an ARC, I am unsure as to what the final approved book layout will look like at the time of publication. With that said, I think it would be extremely helpful to disperse the pictures throughout the book versus concentrating them in the back of the book. As it stands, the typed text which is devoid of images, gets monotonous. There were no visual breaks for the reader. After a time, it came to be rather laborious. While this may be a personal preference, it may be the same for other readers.
Other: This would be a good history book club recommendation.
Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes +/-
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💬
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The thoughts and opinions I have voluntarily shared are my own. I am grateful for the opportunity.
My Review: Assassinations That Shaped the Ancient World by Phil Carradice is a 2025 release.
About the Book: "In this new book, Phil Carradice takes a broad sweep at assassinations in the ancient world. Beginning with the Egyptian Empire, it traces the assassin's art through Greek, Roman, Biblical, Chinese, Byzantine and other periods or empires, up to and including the Kings and Emperors of the Dark Ages. The book does not stop there. It examines individual assassinations, motivation and practice and looks at assassination groups such as the thugee of India and the Sacred Band of Thebes."
My Final Say: This book proved to be interesting, informative, opinionated to a degree, and thought provoking. There was so much content to consider and such different perspectives offered on familiar cases that it caused me to want to conduct my own detailed research.
I, particularly, liked the introduction and the chapter one considerations on how the author chose to categorize and/or approach assassinations. I found the inclusion of plots, plotters, methods, and tools to be extremely captivating. The most fascinating mention related to the female assassins from Japan, the assassination bands and sects of India, and the assassination gangs of Thebes. I also appreciated the mention of Teti.
While I liked the writer's attempt to do a broad stroke on assassinations over the course of time, I cannot help but wonder if a more specific temporal based series might have worked better for this type of material. There was a lot of information presented. I would have liked to delve deeper, if possible. Also, the tie in between historical accounts and personal views was very evident.
Because I was reading an ARC, I am unsure as to what the final approved book layout will look like at the time of publication. With that said, I think it would be extremely helpful to disperse the pictures throughout the book versus concentrating them in the back of the book. As it stands, the typed text which is devoid of images, gets monotonous. There were no visual breaks for the reader. After a time, it came to be rather laborious. While this may be a personal preference, it may be the same for other readers.
Other: This would be a good history book club recommendation.
Rating: 3.75/5
Recommend: Yes +/-
Audience: A
Status/Level: 💬
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History), and to NetGalley. Thank you for granting access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. The thoughts and opinions I have voluntarily shared are my own. I am grateful for the opportunity.
February 18, 2025
Phil Carradice’s Assassinations that Shaped the Ancient World offers a unique perspective on key historical figures whose untimely deaths changed the course of history. The book dives into the lives of individuals like Julius Caesar and Alexander the Great, exploring the political motives and consequences of their assassinations. Carradice's research is impressive, and he effectively conveys the historical context surrounding these events.
The strength of the book lies in its engaging narrative style. It’s clear that Carradice knows his material and is passionate about bringing these lesser-known historical events to life. The writing is accessible, making the book suitable for both casual readers and history enthusiasts.
However, despite its merits, the book feels a bit superficial at times. While Carradice discusses several key assassinations, the depth of analysis and the broader impact of these events could have been more thoroughly explored. There are moments where the narrative feels like a collection of facts rather than an in-depth examination. It also feels a bit rushed in certain sections, especially when addressing the aftermath of the assassinations.
In conclusion, Assassinations that Shaped the Ancient World is an interesting read with solid historical insights but lacks the depth and comprehensive analysis that would have made it truly exceptional. It’s a good starting point for readers interested in the topic, but it leaves much to be desired for those looking for a more thorough exploration.
The strength of the book lies in its engaging narrative style. It’s clear that Carradice knows his material and is passionate about bringing these lesser-known historical events to life. The writing is accessible, making the book suitable for both casual readers and history enthusiasts.
However, despite its merits, the book feels a bit superficial at times. While Carradice discusses several key assassinations, the depth of analysis and the broader impact of these events could have been more thoroughly explored. There are moments where the narrative feels like a collection of facts rather than an in-depth examination. It also feels a bit rushed in certain sections, especially when addressing the aftermath of the assassinations.
In conclusion, Assassinations that Shaped the Ancient World is an interesting read with solid historical insights but lacks the depth and comprehensive analysis that would have made it truly exceptional. It’s a good starting point for readers interested in the topic, but it leaves much to be desired for those looking for a more thorough exploration.
April 17, 2025
Phil Carradice turns a critical eye toward assassinations throughout history in our ancient worlds. Politics bleeds red as the ancient world is remembered by the lives lost to malicious circumstances; these incidents, depending on their location, have shaped our modern world for better or worse. Assassinations That Shaped the Ancient World exposes the ideologies, theologies, and dynamics that created silent revolutions, which either brought down the swords or prompted people to take change into their own hands.
Although a morbid subject, I was intrigued by Carradice's book, as he examines each chapter with a matter-of-fact, almost clinical narrative, maintaining a distance that allows the reader to see the full picture. Instead of portraying a villain and a hero, Carradice emphasises that there are only victims, both of the knife and of circumstance. I was particularly interested in how Carradice investigates the "how" rather than the "why," highlighting that these assassinations were not sporadic or driven by madness; there were reasons, not whims.
Overall, Assassinations That Shaped the Ancient World is an engaging exploration into the darker side of history, where empires and nations crumble due to blood, steel, and death. I recommend Carradice's book to anyone interested in the corrupting nature of political ambition, the downfall of empires initiated by a single decision, and the darker aspects of history.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Although a morbid subject, I was intrigued by Carradice's book, as he examines each chapter with a matter-of-fact, almost clinical narrative, maintaining a distance that allows the reader to see the full picture. Instead of portraying a villain and a hero, Carradice emphasises that there are only victims, both of the knife and of circumstance. I was particularly interested in how Carradice investigates the "how" rather than the "why," highlighting that these assassinations were not sporadic or driven by madness; there were reasons, not whims.
Overall, Assassinations That Shaped the Ancient World is an engaging exploration into the darker side of history, where empires and nations crumble due to blood, steel, and death. I recommend Carradice's book to anyone interested in the corrupting nature of political ambition, the downfall of empires initiated by a single decision, and the darker aspects of history.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword, for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 4, 2025
Assassination is the willful killing, by a sudden, secret, or planned attack, of a person—especially if prominent or important.It may be prompted by political, ideological, religious, personal, financial, or military motives.Assassinations are ordered by both individuals and organisations, and are carried out by their accomplices. Acts of assassination have been performed since ancient times. A person who carries out an assassination is called an assassin.
Assassination is one of the oldest tools of power politics. It dates back at least as far as recorded history.The Art of War, a 5th-century BC Chinese military treatise, mentions tactics of Assassination and its merits.
The Egyptian pharaoh Teti, of the Old Kingdom Sixth Dynasty, is thought to be the earliest known victim of assassination, though records are scant,and thus evidence is circumstantial. Other Egyptian monarchs who were assassinated were Ramesses III, Seqenenre Tao II, Berenice III etc.
Assassinations also took place in Persia and the Middle East, e.g. Sennacherib, Phalaris, Xerxes I, Xerxes II, Darius III etc.
Chanakya (c. 350–283 BC) wrote about assassinations in detail in his political treatise Arthashastra. His student Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, later made use of assassinations against some of his enemies. Brihadratha Murya was assassinated by war general Pushyamitra Shunga.Anula of Anuradhapura was another victim.
Assassinations also occurred in the Bible,such as Cain and Abel etc.
Some infamous assassination victims are Philip II of Macedon (336 BC), the father of Alexander the Great, and Roman dictator Julius Caesar (44 BC).Roman emperors were often assassinated. The practice was also well known in ancient China with the well-known failure of Jing Ke to assassinate King Zheng in 227 BCE.
Ancient Greek academics Socrates and Archimedes were assassinated.
Whilst many assassinations were performed by individuals or small groups, there were also specialised units that used a collective group of people to perform more than one assassination. Mass assassinations were carried out through massacres and genocides.
Assassination is one of the oldest tools of power politics. It dates back at least as far as recorded history.The Art of War, a 5th-century BC Chinese military treatise, mentions tactics of Assassination and its merits.
The Egyptian pharaoh Teti, of the Old Kingdom Sixth Dynasty, is thought to be the earliest known victim of assassination, though records are scant,and thus evidence is circumstantial. Other Egyptian monarchs who were assassinated were Ramesses III, Seqenenre Tao II, Berenice III etc.
Assassinations also took place in Persia and the Middle East, e.g. Sennacherib, Phalaris, Xerxes I, Xerxes II, Darius III etc.
Chanakya (c. 350–283 BC) wrote about assassinations in detail in his political treatise Arthashastra. His student Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, later made use of assassinations against some of his enemies. Brihadratha Murya was assassinated by war general Pushyamitra Shunga.Anula of Anuradhapura was another victim.
Assassinations also occurred in the Bible,such as Cain and Abel etc.
Some infamous assassination victims are Philip II of Macedon (336 BC), the father of Alexander the Great, and Roman dictator Julius Caesar (44 BC).Roman emperors were often assassinated. The practice was also well known in ancient China with the well-known failure of Jing Ke to assassinate King Zheng in 227 BCE.
Ancient Greek academics Socrates and Archimedes were assassinated.
Whilst many assassinations were performed by individuals or small groups, there were also specialised units that used a collective group of people to perform more than one assassination. Mass assassinations were carried out through massacres and genocides.
January 29, 2025
From the Biblical murder of Abel by his brother Cain, assassination has been a drastic solution carried out by many of the millennia. This book takes a look at some of the pivotal assassinations which were either ordered or committed by the rulers of Greece, Rome, & Egypt, plus the less well-known Hittites & Persians to name a few. Some of them were even victims too.
The book is not linear with regards to timelines so the reader wanders in & out of civilisations sometimes circling back. Many of the assassinations are suspected (i.e. the death of Alexander the Great, & that of several important Romans, etc) but the evidence is suggestive yet equivocal in many cases. To little surprise, ancient Rome takes up quite a bit of the book, ranging across several chapters. My only quibble is that I expected this to be a more interesting read than it turned out to be as it was a little academically dry in places.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword History, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The book is not linear with regards to timelines so the reader wanders in & out of civilisations sometimes circling back. Many of the assassinations are suspected (i.e. the death of Alexander the Great, & that of several important Romans, etc) but the evidence is suggestive yet equivocal in many cases. To little surprise, ancient Rome takes up quite a bit of the book, ranging across several chapters. My only quibble is that I expected this to be a more interesting read than it turned out to be as it was a little academically dry in places.
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Pen & Sword History, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
February 11, 2025
Assassination’s That Shaped The Ancient World, by Phil Carradice, in this book, we not only get to know those that were assassinated, but there’s even a section on the weapons used for said assassination and the most cases we get the truthful story of what happened. Theres even one case where a man’s choices assassinated his own reign. I really like the way Mr. Carradice, didn’t do like most historians and just wrote about the most popular although those are in here as well I found he picked some very interesting stories from multiple different countries and different sections of the book and it all made for great reading. I love historical nonfiction and this one kept me busy for a while. #NetGalley, #PenAndSwordPress, #TheBlindReviewer,#PhilCarradice, #AssassinationsThatShapedTheAncientWorld,
January 31, 2025
Unfortunately, I DNF'ed this book at 40 pages. There were a lot of editing errors, but I can get past that with an advanced reader copy. Hopefully more editing will be done before the book is released. The reason I didn't finish the book, though, were due to some logical issues. At one point the author asserted that it wasn't until we discovered DNA were we able to determine when people were poisoned. You don't need DNA; you need chemistry tests. Maybe they didn't have ways to test for poisons in the ancient past, but it didn't take until the Human Genome Project was completed in the 1990s. I kept going after that even though it really bothered but had to stop in the chapter about the Persian Empire. In one paragraph the author stated Emperor Sennecherib was assassinated by his sons and then the next sentence stated the emperor and one son wanted revenge on the death of the other son/brother. Just too many things that didn't make sense.
March 15, 2025
I was so excited to read this book since I love history and wanted to learn more about how assassination played such a pivotal role in the ancient world. However, this book was really more of a confusing mish-mash of different time periods without defining what an assassination really is since we get examples of mass genocide, suicide and more ambiguous deaths. Parts of history which are speculation are assumed to be true and in the end I wasn’t even sure what point the author was trying to make. This could’ve been so good, hopefully some editing will happen with the final version.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this early copy! All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
I did enjoy the book but found it very unfocused. A lot of information is presented throughout and the author seemed to go on different thought trails. This in its self isn’t the worst in a non fiction book but I like a book to give me exactly what it says in the title. I didn’t feel like I even knew what an assassination was by the end of the book. I did enjoy the geographical and time periods covered. It was very diverse and I enjoyed that.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews