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Legion versus Phalanx: The Epic Struggle for Infantry Supremacy in the Ancient World
Taking a populist approach to a serious subject, Myke Cole combines a novelist's flair for drama with an ancient historian's eye for detail to create a unique book that delves into one of the most popular areas of the Ancient World.
From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.
Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx--Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC)--he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.
From the time of Ancient Sumeria, the heavy infantry phalanx dominated the battlefield. Armed with spears or pikes, standing shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocking, the men of the phalanx presented an impenetrable wall of wood and metal to the enemy. Until, that is, the Roman legion emerged to challenge them as masters of infantry battle.
Covering the period in which the legion and phalanx clashed (280-168 BC), Myke Cole delves into their tactics, arms and equipment, organization and deployment. Drawing on original primary sources to examine six battles in which the legion fought the phalanx--Heraclea (280 BC), Asculum (279 BC), Beneventum (275 BC), Cynoscephalae (197 BC), Magnesia (190 BC), and Pydna (168 BC)--he shows how and why the Roman legion, with its flexible organization, versatile tactics and iron discipline, came to eclipse the hitherto untouchable Hellenistic phalanx and dominate the ancient battlefield.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
307 people are currently reading
1621 people want to read
About the author
Myke Cole
26 books1,739 followersAs a security contractor, government civilian and military officer, Myke Cole’s career has run the gamut from Counterterrorism to Cyber Warfare to Federal Law Enforcement. He’s done three tours in Iraq and was recalled to serve during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. After hunting terrorists and criminals in real life, he kept up the job on TV, first tracking fugitives on CBS’ 2017 show Hunted, and UFOs on Discovery Channel’s 2019 show Contact.
All that conflict can wear a guy out. Thank goodness for fantasy novels, comic books, late night games of Dungeons and Dragons and lots of angst fueled writing.
All that conflict can wear a guy out. Thank goodness for fantasy novels, comic books, late night games of Dungeons and Dragons and lots of angst fueled writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
February 7, 2020
As a writer of horror now exploring fantasy, it makes sense that my tastes in fantasy run toward a genre called ‘grimdark.’ I can almost hear you saying “Hold up...Myke Cole’s LEGION VERSUS PHALANX is non-fiction, right?” Right! But one of the things that makes this book so delicious, so compelling, so damned *readable* is that it rolls out like the grimmest of grimdark, with all the fantastical weaponry, high stakes power struggle, and human strength and frailty we expect in Martin, Abercrombie and Anna Smith Spark. All it lacks is a dragon, but brass-balled, fire-breathing antihero Pyrrhus of Epirus nearly qualifies.
The antagonist in this narrative, if it can be said to have one, is the mighty, implacable empire of Rome. From our comfy chairs in the twenty-first century, we know Rome will conquer practically everything from Siracusa, Italy to Syracuse, New York—but in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th centuries BC, the empire was a newly mighty republic, still smarting from a 390 BC beat-down Celtic-style at the hands of Brennus and the Senones, and a straight up massacre in 216 BC when Hannibal (elephants, not fava beans) cut up as many as 70,000 Roman soldiers (no, that number’s not a typo) for river bait at Cannae. Rome was also contesting with the old-timers of the Mediterranean, Greece, in the form of its mighty heir, Macedon, and then its diminishing-return successors known as, well, the successors.
This is the story of the latter struggles, when the tried-and-tested Hellenic battle formation, the phalanx (imagine 4,000 uncomfortable Greeks with 20-foot spears arranged in lines so you meet a different hedge of spearheads every three feet) was challenged on multiple occasions by Rome’s new human architecture, the Legion.
Spoiler alert-the Legion wins.
Antagonist Rome makes Greece bend the knee.
But *how* that happens is a riveting story, and bicepy self-professed nerd and military veteran Myke Cole is just the man to tell it. This review is not an iron-tipped pike meant to punch his tale home—it is a lead slinger’s bullet with a winged lightning bolt on one side and the word for “catch” engraved on the other.
I have hurled my volley.
The response is up to you.
PS I only tuned in to Cole because he answered a pouty-lipped twenty-something’s vague Twitter prompt “Tell me something I don’t know” with a paragraph long micro lecture about the ekdromoi’s inferiority to peltast skirmishers.
“I gotta find out more about this Myke Cole fellow,” I thought.
See?
Not everything on social media is a waste of time.
The antagonist in this narrative, if it can be said to have one, is the mighty, implacable empire of Rome. From our comfy chairs in the twenty-first century, we know Rome will conquer practically everything from Siracusa, Italy to Syracuse, New York—but in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th centuries BC, the empire was a newly mighty republic, still smarting from a 390 BC beat-down Celtic-style at the hands of Brennus and the Senones, and a straight up massacre in 216 BC when Hannibal (elephants, not fava beans) cut up as many as 70,000 Roman soldiers (no, that number’s not a typo) for river bait at Cannae. Rome was also contesting with the old-timers of the Mediterranean, Greece, in the form of its mighty heir, Macedon, and then its diminishing-return successors known as, well, the successors.
This is the story of the latter struggles, when the tried-and-tested Hellenic battle formation, the phalanx (imagine 4,000 uncomfortable Greeks with 20-foot spears arranged in lines so you meet a different hedge of spearheads every three feet) was challenged on multiple occasions by Rome’s new human architecture, the Legion.
Spoiler alert-the Legion wins.
Antagonist Rome makes Greece bend the knee.
But *how* that happens is a riveting story, and bicepy self-professed nerd and military veteran Myke Cole is just the man to tell it. This review is not an iron-tipped pike meant to punch his tale home—it is a lead slinger’s bullet with a winged lightning bolt on one side and the word for “catch” engraved on the other.
I have hurled my volley.
The response is up to you.
PS I only tuned in to Cole because he answered a pouty-lipped twenty-something’s vague Twitter prompt “Tell me something I don’t know” with a paragraph long micro lecture about the ekdromoi’s inferiority to peltast skirmishers.
“I gotta find out more about this Myke Cole fellow,” I thought.
See?
Not everything on social media is a waste of time.
September 11, 2020
Történelmi újrajátszás. Van ez a fogalom, egészen pontosan mozgalom, ami amúgy nekem nagyon tetszetős, még ha nulla gyakorlatom is van benne. Ez arról szól, hogy állíts elő mindent a kor eszközeivel, színvonalán, majd kezdd el használni. Ezt persze főleg a fegyverbolondokra igaz, de akár a gasztronómiát vagy a mindennapi életet is említhetjük. Elvégre ki ne szeretne teljes páncélzatban üvöltve nekirongyolni az ellenfelének, bizonyítva magának, hogy még neki is vannak tökei, majd utána némi korhű folyadék mellett lelaposítani az adrenalingörbét? Én is ki fogom próbálni egyszer. :)
Az újrajátszások persze megmutatják, hogy a filmes és a könyves világban bevett klisék miért nem működnek a valóságban és szép apránként rájön az ember, hogy mit hogy kellene fogni, vagy viselni, hogy az valóban használható legyen. Meg persze az olyan könyves és filmes kliséket is könnyen lerombolja, mint például azt, hogy a kardot nem a hátunkon kell viselni, nem szúrjuk vele keresztül a mellvértet, nem világítunk ki belső tereket fáklyákkal és nem tesszük a kantárveretet a fejfedőre, ahogy a Honfoglalás című filmben tették.
Szóval itt van nekünk a szerző, aki ugyan nem történész, de lelkes ókori újrajátszó, ráadásul korábban katonaként szolgált, ami azért ad egy teljesen más látásmódot, mint amit a magamfajta civil gondol. Ennek szellemében érdemes nekifutni ennek a kötetnek, mert ez tulajdonképpen jellemzi minden erényét és egy kicsit domborítja a hátrányait.
Erényei közé tartozik az, hogy a phalanxra és a legióra mint alakulatra tekint, ekként járja körül az erősségeiket és a gyengeségeiket és tanakodik arról, hogy vajon miért vált utóbbi a csataterek urává. Ezt úgy kívánja elérni, hogy analizálja az egyes ütközeteket, amelyeket döntőnek tart a két nehézgyalogsági típus összecsapásánál, és megpróbálja a forrásokból kiolvasni és a csatát elemezve megállapítani, hogy a kezdeti vereségek után miért lett a legió a győztes a kettő közül. Ezek a csaták Herakleia, Asculum, Beneventum, Künoszkephalai, Magnészia és Püdna, amelyek közül az első hármat Pürrosz ellen vívták a rómaiak, a negyedik és a hatodik vizsgált csata a makedónok elleni küzdelem részét képezte, míg egyszer a Szeleukidák kerültek sorra. Myke Cole tulajdonképpen elvégzi a házi feladatot, amit lehet leír a csatákról, a kezdő érdeklődők számára pont elegendő információt ad, de az ígéretével ellentétben, hogy megismerteti az olvasóval a résztvevők hátterét, nem zsúfolja túl információval a csatákat. (Ha például egy honi történész állna neki a dolognak, mondjuk én, akkor tuti extra oldalak születnének a római társadalomról, vagy a diadokhoszok háborúiról, de azt hiszem a két metódus közül az angolszász módi a nyerő). Ha valaki az ókori világ nagy csatáiról tájékozódna és egy kicsit katonai szemmel nézne körül közöttük, akkor ez a könyv egy kiváló kezdetet jelent.
De csak egy kezdetet.
És itt rátérnék a kötet két fontos hátrányára, amelyek ugyan nem hangsúlyosak, nem teszik élvezhetetlenné az olvasást, de adott esetben hiányérzetet okozhatnak egyesekben.
Az egyik problémának az információadagolást érzem. Egy tájékozódni kívánó, úgymond kezdő olvasónak pont elég, de aki már átrágta magát néhány tucatnyi ókoros könyvön, az kevésnek fogja találni. Én annak találtam, pedig nem foglalkozom az ókorral, nekem például simán le lehetne nyomni a torkomon latin-magyar rokonságot is (na jó, azt talán nem), vagy azt, hogy a Gracchusok az osztályharc első jeles képviselői voltak, akiknek helye van a munkásmozgalmi panteonban (azt hiszem más példát kellene keresnem, csak lusta vagyok rá).
A másik gond, hogy angolszász mércével mérve nem volt elég olvasmányos, ami azért egy súlyosabb kritika. A szerző egyébként sci-fi író, de ennek semmilyen jelét nem láttam a könyvben, valahogy ez az írói véna nem köszönt vissza, inkább éreztem benne egy lazulni próbáló történész kéznyomát. Ablonczy Balázs magyar turanizmusról szóló könyve például olvasmányosabb ennél, pedig nincsenek benne se elefántok, se vérszomjas, latin nyelven karattyoló férfiak, és ha előzetesen tippelnem kellene, hogy a turanizmusról vagy az ókori csatákról szóló könyv lesz-e az érdekes, hát én biztos nem a keleti nyitásra voksolnék.
A végső következtetését, hogy ti. a legió egy rugalmasabb nehézgyalogsági típus volt, amely könnyebben alkalmazkodott a terephez, és a parancsnoki lánca is hatékonyabbá tette, egy kicsit a spanyolviasz feltalálásának érzem.
Mindez persze ne rémítsen meg senkit, az ókori csaták iránt érdeklődőnek, aki nem szeretne egyből a mély vízbe ugrani, annak remek választás lehet.
Az újrajátszások persze megmutatják, hogy a filmes és a könyves világban bevett klisék miért nem működnek a valóságban és szép apránként rájön az ember, hogy mit hogy kellene fogni, vagy viselni, hogy az valóban használható legyen. Meg persze az olyan könyves és filmes kliséket is könnyen lerombolja, mint például azt, hogy a kardot nem a hátunkon kell viselni, nem szúrjuk vele keresztül a mellvértet, nem világítunk ki belső tereket fáklyákkal és nem tesszük a kantárveretet a fejfedőre, ahogy a Honfoglalás című filmben tették.
Szóval itt van nekünk a szerző, aki ugyan nem történész, de lelkes ókori újrajátszó, ráadásul korábban katonaként szolgált, ami azért ad egy teljesen más látásmódot, mint amit a magamfajta civil gondol. Ennek szellemében érdemes nekifutni ennek a kötetnek, mert ez tulajdonképpen jellemzi minden erényét és egy kicsit domborítja a hátrányait.
Erényei közé tartozik az, hogy a phalanxra és a legióra mint alakulatra tekint, ekként járja körül az erősségeiket és a gyengeségeiket és tanakodik arról, hogy vajon miért vált utóbbi a csataterek urává. Ezt úgy kívánja elérni, hogy analizálja az egyes ütközeteket, amelyeket döntőnek tart a két nehézgyalogsági típus összecsapásánál, és megpróbálja a forrásokból kiolvasni és a csatát elemezve megállapítani, hogy a kezdeti vereségek után miért lett a legió a győztes a kettő közül. Ezek a csaták Herakleia, Asculum, Beneventum, Künoszkephalai, Magnészia és Püdna, amelyek közül az első hármat Pürrosz ellen vívták a rómaiak, a negyedik és a hatodik vizsgált csata a makedónok elleni küzdelem részét képezte, míg egyszer a Szeleukidák kerültek sorra. Myke Cole tulajdonképpen elvégzi a házi feladatot, amit lehet leír a csatákról, a kezdő érdeklődők számára pont elegendő információt ad, de az ígéretével ellentétben, hogy megismerteti az olvasóval a résztvevők hátterét, nem zsúfolja túl információval a csatákat. (Ha például egy honi történész állna neki a dolognak, mondjuk én, akkor tuti extra oldalak születnének a római társadalomról, vagy a diadokhoszok háborúiról, de azt hiszem a két metódus közül az angolszász módi a nyerő). Ha valaki az ókori világ nagy csatáiról tájékozódna és egy kicsit katonai szemmel nézne körül közöttük, akkor ez a könyv egy kiváló kezdetet jelent.
De csak egy kezdetet.
És itt rátérnék a kötet két fontos hátrányára, amelyek ugyan nem hangsúlyosak, nem teszik élvezhetetlenné az olvasást, de adott esetben hiányérzetet okozhatnak egyesekben.
Az egyik problémának az információadagolást érzem. Egy tájékozódni kívánó, úgymond kezdő olvasónak pont elég, de aki már átrágta magát néhány tucatnyi ókoros könyvön, az kevésnek fogja találni. Én annak találtam, pedig nem foglalkozom az ókorral, nekem például simán le lehetne nyomni a torkomon latin-magyar rokonságot is (na jó, azt talán nem), vagy azt, hogy a Gracchusok az osztályharc első jeles képviselői voltak, akiknek helye van a munkásmozgalmi panteonban (azt hiszem más példát kellene keresnem, csak lusta vagyok rá).
A másik gond, hogy angolszász mércével mérve nem volt elég olvasmányos, ami azért egy súlyosabb kritika. A szerző egyébként sci-fi író, de ennek semmilyen jelét nem láttam a könyvben, valahogy ez az írói véna nem köszönt vissza, inkább éreztem benne egy lazulni próbáló történész kéznyomát. Ablonczy Balázs magyar turanizmusról szóló könyve például olvasmányosabb ennél, pedig nincsenek benne se elefántok, se vérszomjas, latin nyelven karattyoló férfiak, és ha előzetesen tippelnem kellene, hogy a turanizmusról vagy az ókori csatákról szóló könyv lesz-e az érdekes, hát én biztos nem a keleti nyitásra voksolnék.
A végső következtetését, hogy ti. a legió egy rugalmasabb nehézgyalogsági típus volt, amely könnyebben alkalmazkodott a terephez, és a parancsnoki lánca is hatékonyabbá tette, egy kicsit a spanyolviasz feltalálásának érzem.
Mindez persze ne rémítsen meg senkit, az ókori csaták iránt érdeklődőnek, aki nem szeretne egyből a mély vízbe ugrani, annak remek választás lehet.
January 30, 2019
Amazing, detailed, thoroughly researched and genuinely exciting, particularly the battle of Pydna. Also - Atlas elephants!
A history book written with the vigour and narrative detail of fiction, without sacrificing historical accuracy and while affirming that primary sources exaggerate and don't always agree. Brilliant.
A history book written with the vigour and narrative detail of fiction, without sacrificing historical accuracy and while affirming that primary sources exaggerate and don't always agree. Brilliant.
March 20, 2019
Full review originally posted on https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/
The Good: Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read.
The Bad: This isn’t your average non-fiction military history, and whilst for me this was a VERY pleasant surprise, there will be some readers looking for more in-depth historical exploration, and there will be some put off by the heavy lifting up-front before getting to the good stuff beyond the first hundred pages.
The Ugly Truth: I didn’t know what to expect from Legion versus Phalanx, but it certainly wasn’t this! Myke Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior.
Review:Legion versus Phalanx is a love story.
And I say that with all seriousness.
Myke Cole’s love for the period, the cultures, and indeed the way of life turn what could be misconceived as a reference book into a romance. Don’t get me wrong, Legion versus Phalanx delivers exactly what it says on the tin, providing a non-biased account of the subject matter; but Cole’s love of the warrior way – but not war, a key distinction he makes clear early on – his study of ‘what it is to be a warrior’ presents a factual commentary with feeling.
Some might recognise Cole from his previous publications in fantasy and science fiction, or from the television. But it is from his background in the military, intelligence and policing that Cole really shines, drawing upon these combined experiences to bring to life not just the legion and the phalanx, but the individual soldiers within them. His account is the closest experience to standing shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-over-shield, sword-against-spear you can achieve in the pursuit of Legion versus Phalanx, short of a Hollywood budget, an army worth of volunteers, and a very comprehensive insurance cover (to include dysentery, prickly heat, and blisters as well as stab wounds).
LvP has something for everyone. From the uninitiated (his words), to the neophyte soldier of history or hobbyists, to the veteran scholars and fans of the period. To achieve this Cole entertains and educates in equal measure, exploring both the technicalities and mechanics of the subject whilst doing so through a narrative. This approach had me thinking about the topic even when I had finished it – and in my opinion, if a book gets you thinking, especially when you’re not reading it, then it’s a damn good book. The inclusion of maps of the battles and the units involved is something of a must-have in military history books, and their presence in LvP is not surprising. They are easy to understand and give an overview of the layout, structure, and size of the battles.
This being military history, Cole covers the required reading of composition, tactics, and equipment up-front, before getting down and dirty on the front lines with the reality of ancient warfare. Not just what the soldiers did, and how they did it, but the feeling of being one. The growing pressure within the ranks long before the battle has even begun, and then the push and pull of the fighting lines when they crash together. The weight of a shield, the length of a pike, the jarring thrust of a sword against an enemy, or worse, on your own armour. The fear of facing down a horse – the terror of standing fast against an elephant charge.
Whilst the titular rhetorical question ‘Legion versus Phalanx’ is a foregone conclusion, in my honest opinion, Cole’s exploration should be read in advance of making up your own mind. The two have more in common than you first might think, especially at an individual level; and millennia later, the challenges that soldiers face in modern warfare remain similar, if not the same in many regards.
This book isn’t just a book on warfare. It covers politics, social details, the character of the commanders, terrain, weather, and more. All of these things are vital for understanding the period, and what it meant to be alive during that time, let alone try and survive on a battlefield.
Speaking personally, as an ex-soldier, Cole is something of a role model to me. Someone who has made the military-to-civilian transition and embodies what it is to be a warrior not just at a time of war, but in the day to day world of cooking, cleaning, shopping, sleeping, washing and working. And in part because of this, I probably enjoyed LvP even more than I would have had I been from a different background.
Speaking generally, this is a book for fans of Cole, historians, fantasists, or anyone with an interest in the topic. Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting. As a fantasy fan myself (reader – reviewer – writer), I strongly believe that anyone looking to bring to life the battles in their own work, or breathe life into those they are reading, should read LvP. Not just because its about war and warfare, but because it’s about warriors. And if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins.
You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.
The Good: Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read.
The Bad: This isn’t your average non-fiction military history, and whilst for me this was a VERY pleasant surprise, there will be some readers looking for more in-depth historical exploration, and there will be some put off by the heavy lifting up-front before getting to the good stuff beyond the first hundred pages.
The Ugly Truth: I didn’t know what to expect from Legion versus Phalanx, but it certainly wasn’t this! Myke Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior.
Review:Legion versus Phalanx is a love story.
And I say that with all seriousness.
Myke Cole’s love for the period, the cultures, and indeed the way of life turn what could be misconceived as a reference book into a romance. Don’t get me wrong, Legion versus Phalanx delivers exactly what it says on the tin, providing a non-biased account of the subject matter; but Cole’s love of the warrior way – but not war, a key distinction he makes clear early on – his study of ‘what it is to be a warrior’ presents a factual commentary with feeling.
Some might recognise Cole from his previous publications in fantasy and science fiction, or from the television. But it is from his background in the military, intelligence and policing that Cole really shines, drawing upon these combined experiences to bring to life not just the legion and the phalanx, but the individual soldiers within them. His account is the closest experience to standing shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-over-shield, sword-against-spear you can achieve in the pursuit of Legion versus Phalanx, short of a Hollywood budget, an army worth of volunteers, and a very comprehensive insurance cover (to include dysentery, prickly heat, and blisters as well as stab wounds).
LvP has something for everyone. From the uninitiated (his words), to the neophyte soldier of history or hobbyists, to the veteran scholars and fans of the period. To achieve this Cole entertains and educates in equal measure, exploring both the technicalities and mechanics of the subject whilst doing so through a narrative. This approach had me thinking about the topic even when I had finished it – and in my opinion, if a book gets you thinking, especially when you’re not reading it, then it’s a damn good book. The inclusion of maps of the battles and the units involved is something of a must-have in military history books, and their presence in LvP is not surprising. They are easy to understand and give an overview of the layout, structure, and size of the battles.
This being military history, Cole covers the required reading of composition, tactics, and equipment up-front, before getting down and dirty on the front lines with the reality of ancient warfare. Not just what the soldiers did, and how they did it, but the feeling of being one. The growing pressure within the ranks long before the battle has even begun, and then the push and pull of the fighting lines when they crash together. The weight of a shield, the length of a pike, the jarring thrust of a sword against an enemy, or worse, on your own armour. The fear of facing down a horse – the terror of standing fast against an elephant charge.
Whilst the titular rhetorical question ‘Legion versus Phalanx’ is a foregone conclusion, in my honest opinion, Cole’s exploration should be read in advance of making up your own mind. The two have more in common than you first might think, especially at an individual level; and millennia later, the challenges that soldiers face in modern warfare remain similar, if not the same in many regards.
This book isn’t just a book on warfare. It covers politics, social details, the character of the commanders, terrain, weather, and more. All of these things are vital for understanding the period, and what it meant to be alive during that time, let alone try and survive on a battlefield.
Speaking personally, as an ex-soldier, Cole is something of a role model to me. Someone who has made the military-to-civilian transition and embodies what it is to be a warrior not just at a time of war, but in the day to day world of cooking, cleaning, shopping, sleeping, washing and working. And in part because of this, I probably enjoyed LvP even more than I would have had I been from a different background.
Speaking generally, this is a book for fans of Cole, historians, fantasists, or anyone with an interest in the topic. Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting. As a fantasy fan myself (reader – reviewer – writer), I strongly believe that anyone looking to bring to life the battles in their own work, or breathe life into those they are reading, should read LvP. Not just because its about war and warfare, but because it’s about warriors. And if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins.
You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.
July 14, 2019
This book was phenomenal. Highly detailed overviews of Legionary and Phalanx equipment, weapons, armor, and tactics. All based on primary sources, and including in depth descriptions of three big battles where legions and greek phalanx met. Highly recommend for people who love military history or ancient roman and greek history.
September 1, 2021
A vividly written and fascinating study of the 6 major battles where Roman Legions confronted Macedonian Phalanxes. Although not a scholarly book it discusses in depth the opposing tactics and offers us a clear and fresh view on the subject. This is a "must" for every wargamer and all enthusiasts in this period. 4 stars for a very good book.
August 29, 2019
History, presented correctly, is a drama fit to rival any novel on the shelf today. Myke Cole's Legion versus Phalanx works to take history out of the textbook and to present it as a living, breathing dramatic narrative.
In his introduction, Cole openly states that he is doing this work explicitly to satisfy his own geek interests in these topics. This is a book written--not for the classroom--but for the enjoyment of the average person. This is not to say that it is not as factual as other texts. Cole's attention to detail and source material is evident from start to finish. But the purpose underlying the book is a personal one--and Cole's passion for the subject matter is clear from start to finish.
The text occasionally repeats established points, and there are brief sections where names and details overshadow the reading experience--but these are fleeting issues in an otherwise excellent book. Cole bookends the discussion by providing broad context for his discussion before settling into six key battles which show the evolution of warfare in the ancient world. Being a novelist himself, Cole draws narrative from his sources--which are truly dramatic in their own rights as well. He makes clear where evidence is strong--as well as where he is making the liberties of assumption. What emerges is a dramatic story of human history--of pride and conflict, of victory and tragedy. Cole's presentation finds the humanity and the points of interest amidst the historical detail and weaves a connected narrative that is all the more fascinating for its truth.
This is clearly a labor of love presented to the reader in the hopes that we might also experience Cole's excitement for these historical figures--their ambitions and shortcomings all. He establishes himself as a trustworthy guide through the ancient world, and makes the material accessible to those of us who have little to no background in the subject matter. It's informative--ripe with detail and explanation--but it is also great fun to read. Under Cole's treatment, the connections and similarities between us and the figures of history do not seem so distant. This allows us, as readers, to find the lessons and the fascination in these conflicts that played out on distant battlefields so many generations ago.
In his introduction, Cole openly states that he is doing this work explicitly to satisfy his own geek interests in these topics. This is a book written--not for the classroom--but for the enjoyment of the average person. This is not to say that it is not as factual as other texts. Cole's attention to detail and source material is evident from start to finish. But the purpose underlying the book is a personal one--and Cole's passion for the subject matter is clear from start to finish.
The text occasionally repeats established points, and there are brief sections where names and details overshadow the reading experience--but these are fleeting issues in an otherwise excellent book. Cole bookends the discussion by providing broad context for his discussion before settling into six key battles which show the evolution of warfare in the ancient world. Being a novelist himself, Cole draws narrative from his sources--which are truly dramatic in their own rights as well. He makes clear where evidence is strong--as well as where he is making the liberties of assumption. What emerges is a dramatic story of human history--of pride and conflict, of victory and tragedy. Cole's presentation finds the humanity and the points of interest amidst the historical detail and weaves a connected narrative that is all the more fascinating for its truth.
This is clearly a labor of love presented to the reader in the hopes that we might also experience Cole's excitement for these historical figures--their ambitions and shortcomings all. He establishes himself as a trustworthy guide through the ancient world, and makes the material accessible to those of us who have little to no background in the subject matter. It's informative--ripe with detail and explanation--but it is also great fun to read. Under Cole's treatment, the connections and similarities between us and the figures of history do not seem so distant. This allows us, as readers, to find the lessons and the fascination in these conflicts that played out on distant battlefields so many generations ago.
May 18, 2019
An exceptional work.
If you've ever found history boring and want to feel the pure excitement of our collective past, this its the book for you.
If you are fascinated by ancient armies and how a change in tactics could change the entire world, this book is for you.
If you watched (and re-watched) the battle scenes of 300, TROY, ROME and more, this book is for you.
If you like the palace intrigue of A Game of Thrones and find real-life betrayals and alliances that changed history, this book is for you.
If you've ever found history boring and want to feel the pure excitement of our collective past, this its the book for you.
If you are fascinated by ancient armies and how a change in tactics could change the entire world, this book is for you.
If you watched (and re-watched) the battle scenes of 300, TROY, ROME and more, this book is for you.
If you like the palace intrigue of A Game of Thrones and find real-life betrayals and alliances that changed history, this book is for you.
November 14, 2018
Although Osprey is more famous for its booklet size illustrated publications it produces some excellent hardcovers as well. This one is packed with superb artwork and maps to go along with each battle, an index and a bibliography. It’s an easy read in terms of time, I got through it in about a week and a half. The binding is quite flexible so don’t wedge it in too many places or leave it open, but the paper quality is good. The attractive dust jacket doesn’t have any of that awful faux gilt either, so you can read it without having to take it off.
This book has its origins in a discussion almost as old as the subject. How did the legion defeat the phalanx? Or perhaps the question is why? To look at the stats the phalanx should have won every time, and a lot of people are fascinated with how a head on clash must have gone. However, as Cole says early on, the question has already been answered, the legion won and it won convincingly. Despite this, the debate runs onwards, which makes the fact that there has never been a standalone study of the epic clash for ancient infantry supremacy all the more extraordinary.
Coles’s book is the most accessible introduction to ancient warfare that I’ve read. I believe he is not overstating it when he claims that a complete newcomer to the subject will be able to understand everything that is going on. The book starts strong, and there’s allot to like about it. I mean anyone who sticks to BC and AD is already on the right track for me. Those needing an easy “in” for ancient history would be advised to get Legion Versus Phalanx.
Part of the reason is because the author is more than happy to admit he doesn’t have the answers when the source material runs out. So rather than diving into a deep discussion an honest reality is injected.
The first three chapters are devoted to aspects of ancient warfare and the opposing military systems, the phalanx and the legion. Then you get non stop battles and characters all the way to the finish. These early chapters are the foundation of the book, transmitting the basic picture in the author’s mind effectively onto the page, building up an image of the opposing forces for us to reference when the fighting starts.
Cole’s goal is to reach the uninitiated and asks for patience from the more experienced and scholarly. There is indeed a liberal use of parallels and imagery, yet they aren’t as ghastly as the run of the mill “equivalent to a modern tank” drivel you see parroted around all the flipping time.
The phalanx section will be an eye opener for some, and there’s a lot of soldierly sense included in it, military logic, both ancient and modern is deployed to good effect. Though in the early stages I was concerned that the author would do what some popular writers did in the past, and totally substitute ancient rank names and usage for approximate modern ranks and designations. Dando Collins’ vivid “biographies” of the legions for instance are distracting due to his insistence on using terms like battalion, division, brigade, colonel and General etc. However, Cole is “nerdy” enough to know how annoying that is and only refers a few times to brigades, which is a relief.
In some ways Cole has his work cut out for him. Reconstructing ancient combat is challenging. For while it seems perfectly obvious how a phalanx would engage a Legion, it opposite isn’t as clear. Phalanxes after all derived from a time when warfare was very simple. Citizen hoplites could be relied upon for their warlike, offensive spirit, but not allot of tactical flexibility. Thus much as in the days of the French Republic, the most efficient way of utilising well armed militias, IE getting as many men as possible into action, was to make them stand shoulder to shoulder in a deep formation and make them walk towards the enemy in a straight line. It’s no wonder therefore that in the old classical days opposing phalanx armies would go to a specific, pre agreed spot to fight.
As this book shows; the phalanx never evolved into a tacitlaly flexible unit. Even under the Hellenistic kings it was best used as Alexander had used it, as the anvil. Point it at the enemy and let the mobile flanks do the rest. Which is why I was puzzled when Cole describes the phalanx as a defensive formation, something I was unable to reconcile with its most common employment, especially in Hellenistic times, and indeed during the Persian wars and intervening, to attack and pin an enemy, from where it usually forced said enemy back, or held it at bay. Indeed perhaps it might be argued that the ability of the legion’s opposing attack to halt the phalanx was perhaps a vital key to defeating the Hellenistic system. That being said this was my only real qualm, and an anvil is there to absorb punishment, so in a way, Cole still has a point.
Because of this simplistic use of an organisationally complex body, it is not at all apparent how a legion would engage a phalanx and force it back without outflanking it. Yet warfare is much more complicated than it seems in movies and novels. For instance the Persians were consistently able to engage and delay the movement of phalanxes, and indeed at certain battles even put them under extreme pressure. So if the Persians could do that, imagine what a republican legion could do.
What becomes clear as we move through the wars of the Republic, is that this is exactly the point. The Romans found out that they could under certain circumstances get into a phalanx, but it was much simpler to allow it to do the work for them. It drives forwards or stands still, the hard truth is that the phalanx was developed for well armed militias with little tactical ability and never progressed except in weaponry. therefore why not go around the side? But at first they were devilishly tricky to fight, and it seems that it was through fanatical courage alone that the Romans managed to hold against Phyrrus of Epirus.
With Pyrrhus we can quickly see, just like with Alexander, the phalanx doesn’t win the battle, the cavalry does, but then neither does the cavalry win battles without the stolidity of the phalanx, and often (even for the Romans) the winning cards, the elephants.
Cole’s book does what a book on ancient warfare should do, it entertains and it will get you thinking. For instance, this thought occurred to me as I neared the end. The uneven nature of a legionary battle line, drawn up in its famous checkerboard, would theoretically present a difficult environment for a single entity like a phalanx, composed as it was of multiple files (incapable of independent movement) in a continuous line, to oppose. Those gaping gaps and the difficulty of command and control, communications etc, would surely have caused utter confusion in an advancing pike wall, as portions would come into combat while others were still moving. Causing at the very least a loss of cohesion along the entire battle-line and forcing the entire thing to eventually halt and remain static, unable to exert pressure and put onto the defensive. Then again the Roman’s flexible system of supporting lines would allow an efficient rotation of troops without fear of pursuit due to the inability of the components of a Hellenistic phalanx to move independently. Not to mention what the effect of three-quarters of a legion’s worth of javelins would do, thrown over the lowered pikes but below the raised ones, into the faces and chest’s of a front line.
Myke Cole has written an accessible, entertaining and detailed narrative of the development of infantry warfare in the ancient world. If as is suggested st the end, a military system is a representation of the society it comes from, then there is a lesson there. Today western armies work on the model of the intelligence and activity of the individual soldier, who acts nonetheless as part of a team of active individuals.
Oppose this to the concept of the ancient armies we read about in legion and phalanx, we see the phalanx represents the spirit of the collective, thousands working as one, all dependant on everyone doing the same thing at the same time. Versus the Roman model, still dependant on many minds as one, but organised to afford the possibility of initiative. For there is a difference in the end between training men the same way, and making them think (or not think) the same way. With the Legion we see that the state was one of disciplined individuals, with more emphasis on the intelligence and activity of the soldier. And when we see that we do not see Athens, Sparta or Macedon, can we can yet again see the legacy of Rome today.
May 25, 2019
Normally, when I see a novelist try their hand at history (especially a novelist whose work just doesn't appeal to me), I am highly skeptical of the outcome. However, I have a long standing love affair with ancient military history and what I read of this book sparked my interest enough to give it a shot despite my original doubts.
Oddly enough, my love of ancient warfare stems from my younger days, playing the Europa Barbarorum mod for the original Rome: Total War from Creative Assembly. Not only was that particular mod a very good strategy game, and visually beautiful to boot, it had a plethora of historical tidbits and lessons that really ignited the flame within to study ancient warfare.
Fast forward a few years, and I see this book.
First off, let me say that my doubts were unwarranted. Although this book is written in a highly laid back, conversational tone (and to an academic, downright unprofessional, but that might be jealousy over someone's ability to actually engage readers) it is thoroughly well researched and outside of one single error that caused me to smirk (Stalingrad was fought in 1942-43, not 1941, the author was making a correlation), everything that he described seemed spot on.
There really is only one minor quibble with the book, and all in all it is a very good read. The author takes the time to detail the organizational structure, recruitment, equippage, and tactical doctrine of both the Roman Legion and the Hellenistic Phalanx before diving into the six chosen battles to outline how the Legion triumphed and replaced what was, heretofore, the ancient worlds supreme fighting organization.
The six chosen battles (Hercalia, Asculum and Beneventum, all fought between Rome and King Pyrrhus of Epirus, as well as Cynoscephylae between Rome and Macedon, Magnesia between Rome and the Seleucid Empire, and Pydna also between Rome and Macedon) are all very well described, with the author making clear what his interpretations are as opposed to the ancient sources, and where they agree.
Now for my quibble.
The author, both in the forward and in blog writings and media articles, has quite a contentious relationship with Victor Davis Hanson and his 'Western Way of Warfare'.
To be honest, I still haven't gotten around to reading VDH's book, so I cannot speak on that.
However I can say that the authors tirades border on the hysterical, and seem designed to appeal to his fiction audience rather than those who are already familiar with military history. Even then, he makes, what to me, seems a fairly obvious point that all cultures tend to seek decisive battle rather than skirmishing and raiding.
I am quite positive the Han Dynasty, the Mongols, the Persians under Cyrus, the Arabs under Ibn Walid, and the Samurai would all agree. Even so, going deep into the weeds of American politics can tend to...tarnish a persons character just a bit (and since VDH tends to pontificate on the opposing political team than Myke Cole, I think I can see where the rancor stems from).
Despite that, genuinely minor, issue, this was a highly enjoyable read. And while, with apologies, I must tell Mr. Cole that his fiction isn't my bag, I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion on how the and why the Legion triumphed over the Phalanx.
Perfect book, especially, for those new to either military history in general or ancient warfare.
Highly recommended.
Oddly enough, my love of ancient warfare stems from my younger days, playing the Europa Barbarorum mod for the original Rome: Total War from Creative Assembly. Not only was that particular mod a very good strategy game, and visually beautiful to boot, it had a plethora of historical tidbits and lessons that really ignited the flame within to study ancient warfare.
Fast forward a few years, and I see this book.
First off, let me say that my doubts were unwarranted. Although this book is written in a highly laid back, conversational tone (and to an academic, downright unprofessional, but that might be jealousy over someone's ability to actually engage readers) it is thoroughly well researched and outside of one single error that caused me to smirk (Stalingrad was fought in 1942-43, not 1941, the author was making a correlation), everything that he described seemed spot on.
There really is only one minor quibble with the book, and all in all it is a very good read. The author takes the time to detail the organizational structure, recruitment, equippage, and tactical doctrine of both the Roman Legion and the Hellenistic Phalanx before diving into the six chosen battles to outline how the Legion triumphed and replaced what was, heretofore, the ancient worlds supreme fighting organization.
The six chosen battles (Hercalia, Asculum and Beneventum, all fought between Rome and King Pyrrhus of Epirus, as well as Cynoscephylae between Rome and Macedon, Magnesia between Rome and the Seleucid Empire, and Pydna also between Rome and Macedon) are all very well described, with the author making clear what his interpretations are as opposed to the ancient sources, and where they agree.
Now for my quibble.
The author, both in the forward and in blog writings and media articles, has quite a contentious relationship with Victor Davis Hanson and his 'Western Way of Warfare'.
To be honest, I still haven't gotten around to reading VDH's book, so I cannot speak on that.
However I can say that the authors tirades border on the hysterical, and seem designed to appeal to his fiction audience rather than those who are already familiar with military history. Even then, he makes, what to me, seems a fairly obvious point that all cultures tend to seek decisive battle rather than skirmishing and raiding.
I am quite positive the Han Dynasty, the Mongols, the Persians under Cyrus, the Arabs under Ibn Walid, and the Samurai would all agree. Even so, going deep into the weeds of American politics can tend to...tarnish a persons character just a bit (and since VDH tends to pontificate on the opposing political team than Myke Cole, I think I can see where the rancor stems from).
Despite that, genuinely minor, issue, this was a highly enjoyable read. And while, with apologies, I must tell Mr. Cole that his fiction isn't my bag, I thoroughly enjoyed this discussion on how the and why the Legion triumphed over the Phalanx.
Perfect book, especially, for those new to either military history in general or ancient warfare.
Highly recommended.
March 13, 2020
I like my history like I like my bathrooms.
Easily accessible.
Easily accessible.
March 17, 2020
This book is exactly what I expected when I picked it up, a fun opportunity to geek out about to technical aspects of ancient warfare, in this case the relative merits of the Macedonian Phalanx vs the Roman Legion. Myke Cole uses six battles where the two fighting systems clashed, along with the history surrounding them, to discuss this.
I’m always a sucker for this sort of thing and I wasn’t disappointed here. It all gets a bit technical at times but I’m not complaining. I had a blast. There’s some first-rate story telling here.
I’m always a sucker for this sort of thing and I wasn’t disappointed here. It all gets a bit technical at times but I’m not complaining. I had a blast. There’s some first-rate story telling here.
December 15, 2018
A cracker of a fast paced non-fiction read. Worth your time.
March 20, 2019
Full review originally posted on https://fantasy-hive.co.uk/
The Good: Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read.
The Bad: This isn’t your average non-fiction military history, and whilst for me this was a VERY pleasant surprise, there will be some readers looking for more in-depth historical exploration, and there will be some put off by the heavy lifting up-front before getting to the good stuff beyond the first hundred pages.
The Ugly Truth: I didn’t know what to expect from Legion versus Phalanx, but it certainly wasn’t this! Myke Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior.
Review:Legion versus Phalanx is a love story.
And I say that with all seriousness.
Myke Cole’s love for the period, the cultures, and indeed the way of life turn what could be misconceived as a reference book into a romance. Don’t get me wrong, Legion versus Phalanx delivers exactly what it says on the tin, providing a non-biased account of the subject matter; but Cole’s love of the warrior way – but not war, a key distinction he makes clear early on – his study of ‘what it is to be a warrior’ presents a factual commentary with feeling.
Some might recognise Cole from his previous publications in fantasy and science fiction, or from the television. But it is from his background in the military, intelligence and policing that Cole really shines, drawing upon these combined experiences to bring to life not just the legion and the phalanx, but the individual soldiers within them. His account is the closest experience to standing shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-over-shield, sword-against-spear you can achieve in the pursuit of Legion versus Phalanx, short of a Hollywood budget, an army worth of volunteers, and a very comprehensive insurance cover (to include dysentery, prickly heat, and blisters as well as stab wounds).
LvP has something for everyone. From the uninitiated (his words), to the neophyte soldier of history or hobbyists, to the veteran scholars and fans of the period. To achieve this Cole entertains and educates in equal measure, exploring both the technicalities and mechanics of the subject whilst doing so through a narrative. This approach had me thinking about the topic even when I had finished it – and in my opinion, if a book gets you thinking, especially when you’re not reading it, then it’s a damn good book. The inclusion of maps of the battles and the units involved is something of a must-have in military history books, and their presence in LvP is not surprising. They are easy to understand and give an overview of the layout, structure, and size of the battles.
This being military history, Cole covers the required reading of composition, tactics, and equipment up-front, before getting down and dirty on the front lines with the reality of ancient warfare. Not just what the soldiers did, and how they did it, but the feeling of being one. The growing pressure within the ranks long before the battle has even begun, and then the push and pull of the fighting lines when they crash together. The weight of a shield, the length of a pike, the jarring thrust of a sword against an enemy, or worse, on your own armour. The fear of facing down a horse – the terror of standing fast against an elephant charge.
Whilst the titular rhetorical question ‘Legion versus Phalanx’ is a foregone conclusion, in my honest opinion, Cole’s exploration should be read in advance of making up your own mind. The two have more in common than you first might think, especially at an individual level; and millennia later, the challenges that soldiers face in modern warfare remain similar, if not the same in many regards.
This book isn’t just a book on warfare. It covers politics, social details, the character of the commanders, terrain, weather, and more. All of these things are vital for understanding the period, and what it meant to be alive during that time, let alone try and survive on a battlefield.
Speaking personally, as an ex-soldier, Cole is something of a role model to me. Someone who has made the military-to-civilian transition and embodies what it is to be a warrior not just at a time of war, but in the day to day world of cooking, cleaning, shopping, sleeping, washing and working. And in part because of this, I probably enjoyed LvP even more than I would have had I been from a different background.
Speaking generally, this is a book for fans of Cole, historians, fantasists, or anyone with an interest in the topic. Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting. As a fantasy fan myself (reader – reviewer – writer), I strongly believe that anyone looking to bring to life the battles in their own work, or breathe life into those they are reading, should read LvP. Not just because its about war and warfare, but because it’s about warriors. And if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins.
You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.
The Good: Entertaining, educational, easy to read, eye-opening and (this might sound strange but it’s true) emotional. The most accessible military history book I have ever read.
The Bad: This isn’t your average non-fiction military history, and whilst for me this was a VERY pleasant surprise, there will be some readers looking for more in-depth historical exploration, and there will be some put off by the heavy lifting up-front before getting to the good stuff beyond the first hundred pages.
The Ugly Truth: I didn’t know what to expect from Legion versus Phalanx, but it certainly wasn’t this! Myke Cole does more than just scratch the surface of the strategy of ancient warfare and the tactics of the time, getting stuck in at the boots-on-the-ground level (or should I say sandals?) and giving an account not just on the nature of war, but that of the warrior.
Review:Legion versus Phalanx is a love story.
And I say that with all seriousness.
Myke Cole’s love for the period, the cultures, and indeed the way of life turn what could be misconceived as a reference book into a romance. Don’t get me wrong, Legion versus Phalanx delivers exactly what it says on the tin, providing a non-biased account of the subject matter; but Cole’s love of the warrior way – but not war, a key distinction he makes clear early on – his study of ‘what it is to be a warrior’ presents a factual commentary with feeling.
Some might recognise Cole from his previous publications in fantasy and science fiction, or from the television. But it is from his background in the military, intelligence and policing that Cole really shines, drawing upon these combined experiences to bring to life not just the legion and the phalanx, but the individual soldiers within them. His account is the closest experience to standing shoulder-to-shoulder, shield-over-shield, sword-against-spear you can achieve in the pursuit of Legion versus Phalanx, short of a Hollywood budget, an army worth of volunteers, and a very comprehensive insurance cover (to include dysentery, prickly heat, and blisters as well as stab wounds).
LvP has something for everyone. From the uninitiated (his words), to the neophyte soldier of history or hobbyists, to the veteran scholars and fans of the period. To achieve this Cole entertains and educates in equal measure, exploring both the technicalities and mechanics of the subject whilst doing so through a narrative. This approach had me thinking about the topic even when I had finished it – and in my opinion, if a book gets you thinking, especially when you’re not reading it, then it’s a damn good book. The inclusion of maps of the battles and the units involved is something of a must-have in military history books, and their presence in LvP is not surprising. They are easy to understand and give an overview of the layout, structure, and size of the battles.
This being military history, Cole covers the required reading of composition, tactics, and equipment up-front, before getting down and dirty on the front lines with the reality of ancient warfare. Not just what the soldiers did, and how they did it, but the feeling of being one. The growing pressure within the ranks long before the battle has even begun, and then the push and pull of the fighting lines when they crash together. The weight of a shield, the length of a pike, the jarring thrust of a sword against an enemy, or worse, on your own armour. The fear of facing down a horse – the terror of standing fast against an elephant charge.
Whilst the titular rhetorical question ‘Legion versus Phalanx’ is a foregone conclusion, in my honest opinion, Cole’s exploration should be read in advance of making up your own mind. The two have more in common than you first might think, especially at an individual level; and millennia later, the challenges that soldiers face in modern warfare remain similar, if not the same in many regards.
This book isn’t just a book on warfare. It covers politics, social details, the character of the commanders, terrain, weather, and more. All of these things are vital for understanding the period, and what it meant to be alive during that time, let alone try and survive on a battlefield.
Speaking personally, as an ex-soldier, Cole is something of a role model to me. Someone who has made the military-to-civilian transition and embodies what it is to be a warrior not just at a time of war, but in the day to day world of cooking, cleaning, shopping, sleeping, washing and working. And in part because of this, I probably enjoyed LvP even more than I would have had I been from a different background.
Speaking generally, this is a book for fans of Cole, historians, fantasists, or anyone with an interest in the topic. Even those with only a passing intrigue will find this easily accessible as it is immediately arresting. As a fantasy fan myself (reader – reviewer – writer), I strongly believe that anyone looking to bring to life the battles in their own work, or breathe life into those they are reading, should read LvP. Not just because its about war and warfare, but because it’s about warriors. And if you want to experience the blood-pounding action of the battlefield then no one is more qualified than someone with the blood of the battlefield running through their veins.
You’d struggle to find a better man to stand beside in a shield wall than Myke Cole.
January 6, 2019
Fascinating read, enjoyable to get into and packed with information without being tedious. Enjoyed the breakdown and the maps/pictures/drawings that were included in the book.
May 18, 2021
Interesting, informative, and very fun look into the tactics and military structure of Hellenic and Roman armies, a must-read for any fans of ancient military history!
July 2, 2025
“One more such victory,” he said, “and we are undone.” The quote became the term “Pyrrhic victory,” meaning a win that is so costly, it’s just as bad as a loss. We still use this term nearly 2,300 years later. Unfortunately for Pyrrhus, there was worse to come.
Excellent analysis of the dominant styles of infantry warfare in the ancient Mediterranean theater. Analyzes five battles illustrating the strengths and weakness of each organization. Digs into the roots and culture which generated each.
“The Romans did not come to close quarters nor approach them because they feared the discipline, the solidity, and the desperation of this veteran corps ...” Think about that. Even in clear victory, the legions were frightened to try to come to grips with the Seleucid phalanx.
Exhaustive history of warfare during a period commonly ignored by modern historians. Folksy, conversational narrative. Deals with personalities of both participants and historians to adjust expectations of trustworthiness. Confesses unreliability of sources. Helpful illustrations.
Rome’s history is rife with unnecessary military action specifically brought on by a Roman public official’s need to win glory in battle.
Cole examines cultures for which conquest seems to be the main form of expression. Paradoxically, by different routes both Greece under the Successors to Alexander the Great and Rome under the post-regal republic produced leaders bent toward conquest and glory seeking, even though Rome’s intentions were to thwart individuals accumulating power.
Here I quote directly from Plutarch, as he describes Aemilius speaking to his officers: “... can you, I say, believe there is any certainty in what we now possess, whilst there is such a thing as chance? No, young men, cast off that vain pride and empty boast of victory; sit down with humility, looking always for what is yet to come, and the possible future reverses which the divine displeasure may eventually make the end of our present happiness.”
Excellent analysis of the dominant styles of infantry warfare in the ancient Mediterranean theater. Analyzes five battles illustrating the strengths and weakness of each organization. Digs into the roots and culture which generated each.
“The Romans did not come to close quarters nor approach them because they feared the discipline, the solidity, and the desperation of this veteran corps ...” Think about that. Even in clear victory, the legions were frightened to try to come to grips with the Seleucid phalanx.
Exhaustive history of warfare during a period commonly ignored by modern historians. Folksy, conversational narrative. Deals with personalities of both participants and historians to adjust expectations of trustworthiness. Confesses unreliability of sources. Helpful illustrations.
Rome’s history is rife with unnecessary military action specifically brought on by a Roman public official’s need to win glory in battle.
Cole examines cultures for which conquest seems to be the main form of expression. Paradoxically, by different routes both Greece under the Successors to Alexander the Great and Rome under the post-regal republic produced leaders bent toward conquest and glory seeking, even though Rome’s intentions were to thwart individuals accumulating power.
Here I quote directly from Plutarch, as he describes Aemilius speaking to his officers: “... can you, I say, believe there is any certainty in what we now possess, whilst there is such a thing as chance? No, young men, cast off that vain pride and empty boast of victory; sit down with humility, looking always for what is yet to come, and the possible future reverses which the divine displeasure may eventually make the end of our present happiness.”
February 25, 2019
This was really, really good, and I wish more history books were written like this. The subject is accessible, the various aspects of the world at the time are broken down in plain language, and the battles feel like there are actual stakes involved instead of a dry description of what may or may not have happened. It's written so that even someone like me, with limited knowledge of the time (my minor is in medieval history, definitely way after these battles took place) can understand it. The difficult terms are explained when they come up, there's a glossary in the back in case one forgets, and THANK YOU BATTLE PLAN MAPS.
Seriously well worth picking up.
Seriously well worth picking up.
January 30, 2021
My husband and I read this together, at my suggestion. He usually pushes for nonfiction, and I like Myke Cole's work, so this historical study on a topic we're both interested in seemed like a good choice.
I'm not a history nerd and I usually struggle with things that have a strong military/strategy bend. This book, though, was easy for me to follow, and riveting from beginning to end. The well-told stories and descriptions brought the cultures and the people involved to life. Very well researched and explained, and held both of our interests throughout.
My only complaint is personal: I wish I'd read this _before_ I read The Eagle of the Ninth. It would have helped me appreciate that book on a different level.
I'm not a history nerd and I usually struggle with things that have a strong military/strategy bend. This book, though, was easy for me to follow, and riveting from beginning to end. The well-told stories and descriptions brought the cultures and the people involved to life. Very well researched and explained, and held both of our interests throughout.
My only complaint is personal: I wish I'd read this _before_ I read The Eagle of the Ninth. It would have helped me appreciate that book on a different level.
April 21, 2021
A highly entertaining technical analysis of the famous formations as they clashed in the laboratory of actual events. The author is not a classically trained historian but does a fantastic job of researching the sources and drawing upon his own military experience to speculate where appropriate. Unreservedly recommended for anyone interested in the period. (Approx. 300-150BC)
January 16, 2019
Worth the read, easily understandable, and provides enough information to aid in the exploration of the two battle styles.
December 31, 2019
Let me start out by saying that I am NOT the correct audience for this type of book. History was always my worst subject because I struggled to remember all the facts and I could never keep them straight or figure out how they went together. And military history? Eh, as much as I was a math/logic person, that type of strategy never got me going. That said, this is a pretty good book, and for a history book, I actually liked it. I didn't REALLY like it and I certainly didn't love it. But not because it was a bad book, but because it's not a topic I find very interesting. The narrator was pretty good for this book, and honestly, I can say this will make a good "sleep story" for those of you who are familiar with the calm app. I'm glad I gave this book a chance because I did learn some interesting things about military strategy and history and I appreciated it whenever the author would present his best guess based on available records. If you are at all interested in military history or strategy or reenactments, then I can highly recommend this book for you. For those of you who are not history buffs, just remember that this really is a history book, with historical battles being used to demonstrate why the Legions were superior (ultimately) to Phalanxes.
August 5, 2019
In this excellent work of military history, Myke Cole walks the reader through several battles in which the evolving Roman legion faced off against the phalanx formation used by its enemies. He shows how the phalanx was an essentially defensive formation that was nearly impregnable if utilized in ideal circumstances, but could be made vulnerable by a capable enemy commander using flexible tactics. The Romans lose many of the battles examined in this book, but they learn from their defeats and their legion formation permits them to adjust their tactics in the following encounters eventually bringing them victory.
This book was a delight to read begin both highly informative and entertainingly written. If you have an interest in ancient, and especially Roman, warfare, you’ll find a lot to like in this book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
This book was a delight to read begin both highly informative and entertainingly written. If you have an interest in ancient, and especially Roman, warfare, you’ll find a lot to like in this book.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
March 12, 2020
Very solid book.
The author goes to great lengths to make it clear he's not a historian by trade/training, but he turns that into an asset, bringing fresh eyes to the topic. Let's be honest, at this point, every historian is working with the same sources, so I think his experience as a soldier adds some valuable perspective and context to the narrative and interpretation of events.
I think the descriptions of the battles and aftermaths could have been fleshed out a little more, but that could have also risked making the whole thing a little more ponderous and less accessible to they lay reader audience he was going for.
The author goes to great lengths to make it clear he's not a historian by trade/training, but he turns that into an asset, bringing fresh eyes to the topic. Let's be honest, at this point, every historian is working with the same sources, so I think his experience as a soldier adds some valuable perspective and context to the narrative and interpretation of events.
I think the descriptions of the battles and aftermaths could have been fleshed out a little more, but that could have also risked making the whole thing a little more ponderous and less accessible to they lay reader audience he was going for.
November 24, 2024
El texto aborda con precisión (por lo menos con la informacion que contamos) de los enfrentamientos más emblemáticos del mundo antiguo: el choque entre las falanges macedonias y las legiones romana por lo qje aqui sigue mi estándar para dar estrellas de forma más exacta en la reseña.
1/1. Claridad y enfoque del tema:
El autor se centra en analizar las estrategias militares, pero también extiende su enfoque al contexto político, social y cultural de ambos bandos, logrando un tratamiento integral del tema.
1/1. Calidad de la narrativa
Cole combina rigor histórico con una narrativa accesible y envolvente. Aunque el texto tiene momentos densos, especialmente en los pasajes más técnicos, la mayor parte del libro logra equilibrar la profundidad de la información con un estilo que no abruma al lector. Es ideal tanto para aficionados a la historia militar como para quienes buscan adentrarse en este tipo de lecturas por primera vez.
0.5/ 1. Diseño de la portada
La portada es bastante directa, pero en lonpersonal creonque carece de impacto visua. Aunque representa el tema del libro, se pierde la oportunidad de transmitir la épica de los enfrentamientos descritos.
1/1. Calidad del material y presentación
El libro incluye mapas detallados que ayudan a visualizar las formaciones y órdenes de batalla de ambos bandos, lo que enriquece enormemente la experiencia de lectura.
1/1. Conexión personal y emocional
La obra consigue conectar con el lector al presentar no solo los enfrentamientos bélicos, sino también el impacto cultural y político de ambos sistemas militares, el texto logra establece la importancia de este choque de titanes, no solo como un evento histórico, sino como un fenómeno que redefinió el arte de la guerra.
Mi unica critica desfavorable es la constante mencion de su carrera como militar, es cierto quensu experiencia le ayuda a describir mejor los sentimiento de un soldado lo mejor posible, pero hacer un recordatorio seguido de que fue militar es algo molesto pero . ¿Vale la pena leer el libro? Absolutamente.
1/1. Claridad y enfoque del tema:
El autor se centra en analizar las estrategias militares, pero también extiende su enfoque al contexto político, social y cultural de ambos bandos, logrando un tratamiento integral del tema.
1/1. Calidad de la narrativa
Cole combina rigor histórico con una narrativa accesible y envolvente. Aunque el texto tiene momentos densos, especialmente en los pasajes más técnicos, la mayor parte del libro logra equilibrar la profundidad de la información con un estilo que no abruma al lector. Es ideal tanto para aficionados a la historia militar como para quienes buscan adentrarse en este tipo de lecturas por primera vez.
0.5/ 1. Diseño de la portada
La portada es bastante directa, pero en lonpersonal creonque carece de impacto visua. Aunque representa el tema del libro, se pierde la oportunidad de transmitir la épica de los enfrentamientos descritos.
1/1. Calidad del material y presentación
El libro incluye mapas detallados que ayudan a visualizar las formaciones y órdenes de batalla de ambos bandos, lo que enriquece enormemente la experiencia de lectura.
1/1. Conexión personal y emocional
La obra consigue conectar con el lector al presentar no solo los enfrentamientos bélicos, sino también el impacto cultural y político de ambos sistemas militares, el texto logra establece la importancia de este choque de titanes, no solo como un evento histórico, sino como un fenómeno que redefinió el arte de la guerra.
Mi unica critica desfavorable es la constante mencion de su carrera como militar, es cierto quensu experiencia le ayuda a describir mejor los sentimiento de un soldado lo mejor posible, pero hacer un recordatorio seguido de que fue militar es algo molesto pero . ¿Vale la pena leer el libro? Absolutamente.
February 5, 2019
A good book, providing a comparison history of the Hellenistic Phalanx and the Roman (Middle Republican era) Legion. Written by an author more known for his fiction works, Myke Cole, this book confusingly strove for two separate endstates: a technical comparison of the two formations and a dramatic narrative retelling of the great battles fought between the two types of armies. Though making a great case in the beginning that fighting styles are very much the product of culture, other than a few quick tidbits on Hellenistic vs Roman leadership models, most of the ensuing discussion tended towards very technical matters (equipment, formations, and C2 methods). The first chapter did provide detailed descriptions of each type of army, but very rarely in the ensuing battle descriptions is there that same level of detailed comparison. Instead there are good summations of the ancient source’s descriptions of several key battles in the ~150 years of Greek vs Roman Warfare. The commentary on the accuracy and motivation of the ancient sources is great, but was offsetting from the stated purpose of the book. Also notably absent are mentions of Hannibal and his success against the same Legions that the Phalangites rarely bested. I appreciate that he didn’t technically use the Hellenistic Phalanx, but I would think the reasons for Hannibal’s success in the same time and space that the Phalanx failed should elicit some treatment given the book’s stated topic. Still, for all the lack of true comparison discussions in the book, the author did a splendid job with his battle narratives. Providing perspectives from participants as varied as Generals and common soldier, these narratives are some of the best I’ve read of an ancient battle and makes for a pleasant read. Highly recommended for those wanting to know more about warfare in the Hellenistic and Roman Republic era.
December 14, 2021
When I saw this title on kindle daily deals, I thought ... wait a minute ... I seem to recall that author being a fantasy writer. So immediately this book intrigued me. I took a quick glance at the GR page and was sold. I clicked buy and today I finished it.
This is an eminently readable yet very thoroughly researched history book that discusses the issue of how the Roman legion eventually defeated the Greek phalanx. This book was written and aimed for complete newbies, like myself, who do not have any military background at all. Myke Cole, who came from a military background, to his credit wrote using easy to understand words. Even some of the more esoteric phrases were explained briefly, but comprehensively by the author. And one of his major goals stated in the introduction was to make this book a fun but nerdy read. I think the author certainly accomplished that in this book.
In this book, the author sought to explain the reason why the Roman legion eventually overcame the Greek phalanx battle strategy despite initial devastating defeats. He analyzed six different significant battles that pitted the phalanx versus the Legions. And one can see how the Roman generals adjusted their general strategies when fighting against a phalanx formation. But, the author also helpfully provided brief yet satisfactory historical context to put the various battles into perspective. The result was a very short introductory book on the history behind the development of both the phalax and legion battle formations, as well as their advantages, disadvantages and how the legions helped Rome became the dominating force in the ancient world.
Given how well, and how easy this book to read, I'm sorely tempted to read one of his fantasy works.
A worthy 5-star read.
This is an eminently readable yet very thoroughly researched history book that discusses the issue of how the Roman legion eventually defeated the Greek phalanx. This book was written and aimed for complete newbies, like myself, who do not have any military background at all. Myke Cole, who came from a military background, to his credit wrote using easy to understand words. Even some of the more esoteric phrases were explained briefly, but comprehensively by the author. And one of his major goals stated in the introduction was to make this book a fun but nerdy read. I think the author certainly accomplished that in this book.
In this book, the author sought to explain the reason why the Roman legion eventually overcame the Greek phalanx battle strategy despite initial devastating defeats. He analyzed six different significant battles that pitted the phalanx versus the Legions. And one can see how the Roman generals adjusted their general strategies when fighting against a phalanx formation. But, the author also helpfully provided brief yet satisfactory historical context to put the various battles into perspective. The result was a very short introductory book on the history behind the development of both the phalax and legion battle formations, as well as their advantages, disadvantages and how the legions helped Rome became the dominating force in the ancient world.
Given how well, and how easy this book to read, I'm sorely tempted to read one of his fantasy works.
A worthy 5-star read.
August 8, 2024
This is a great, accessible introduction to the... well, the Roman Legion vs. the Macedonian Phalanx. This book describes the general equipment, tactical emphasis, and rationale behind each fighting system, and then examines the 6 major battles wherein these systems engaged: Heraclea, Ausculum, Beneventum, Cynoscephalae, Magnesia, and Pydna. Over the course of these engagements, the phalanx was eventually proven tactically inferior largely due to its inability to navigate rough terrain, whereas the more maneuverable legion, with its short spanish sword, smaller unit size, and greater individual protection, exploited the flanks of the exposed phalanx to deadly effect.
What the reader gains here is an engaging write up presented by an ex-military author that provides enthusiasm for the subject and a more personal, zoomed in view on the individuals participating in this harrowing combat. A great book for the ancient warfare enthusiast and the newcomer-- I enjoyed this book having already read several books on the subject.
What the reader gains here is an engaging write up presented by an ex-military author that provides enthusiasm for the subject and a more personal, zoomed in view on the individuals participating in this harrowing combat. A great book for the ancient warfare enthusiast and the newcomer-- I enjoyed this book having already read several books on the subject.
August 13, 2019
I read this book for roleplaying game reference, and it was everything I hoped it would be.
This was a fast, engaging read that not only answered some interesting questions about ancient strategy and tactics, but pointed to other materials I'll probably hunt down to understand the situation better.
I read some fairly academic history books, and this one was a change of pace. Cole keeps an engaging narrative while pointing out some contested areas of historiography, and maintaining a connection to the culture of the time. I particularly enjoyed the callbacks to Greek tragedies and hubris tales, and the way they were linked to the ways some of the stories are told. When the narrative falls so conveniently into a genre popular at the time, it raises questions, and Cole doesn't shy away from asking them.
Without pretending to know everything, this book took me a step or three closer to understanding the mechanisms and operations of ancient warfare.
This was a fast, engaging read that not only answered some interesting questions about ancient strategy and tactics, but pointed to other materials I'll probably hunt down to understand the situation better.
I read some fairly academic history books, and this one was a change of pace. Cole keeps an engaging narrative while pointing out some contested areas of historiography, and maintaining a connection to the culture of the time. I particularly enjoyed the callbacks to Greek tragedies and hubris tales, and the way they were linked to the ways some of the stories are told. When the narrative falls so conveniently into a genre popular at the time, it raises questions, and Cole doesn't shy away from asking them.
Without pretending to know everything, this book took me a step or three closer to understanding the mechanisms and operations of ancient warfare.
October 7, 2019
A very well written and researched bit of non fiction. It was filled with fairly adequate modern popular references that helped make the book easy to understand, and it covers a period of history that I hadn't really given a whole lot of thought.
The differences between the two troop formations and how they played out on the battlefield was brilliantly depicted. I'm not sure how this book would stack up for someone with a better understanding of this time period(Myself, I didn't even realize the Hellenistic Phalanx used by Alexander the Great and his predecessors was so different than the phalanx used with equally legendary effectiveness by the Spartans at Thermopylae).
Enough background information to make you understand the events surrounding the battle, but not so much that it takes away from the various battles themselves. A wonderful book for anyone even mildly interested in military history!
The differences between the two troop formations and how they played out on the battlefield was brilliantly depicted. I'm not sure how this book would stack up for someone with a better understanding of this time period(Myself, I didn't even realize the Hellenistic Phalanx used by Alexander the Great and his predecessors was so different than the phalanx used with equally legendary effectiveness by the Spartans at Thermopylae).
Enough background information to make you understand the events surrounding the battle, but not so much that it takes away from the various battles themselves. A wonderful book for anyone even mildly interested in military history!
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