The Great Armies of Antiquity

(Hardback)

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Examines 18 ancient army systems from the armies of Sumer and Akkad to the Ottomans. Gabriel examines 18 ancient army systems, from the armies that advanced the objectives of the Sumer and Akkad empires to the Ottomans. In each instance he examines the organizational structure and weapons employed; since armies are first and foremost societal institutions more than technical devices, he analyzes the societal culture that produced each army in order to highlight the degree to which cultural values and imperatives shaped the form and application of military force. Third, the tactical doctrines and specific operational capabilities of each army are analyzed to explain how certain technical limitations and societal/cultural imperatives affected the operational capabilities of ancient armies. Finally, he makes cross-cultural and cross-historical connections in order to ground the analysis in the larger historical context that was the ancient world. In addition to the 18 studies, Gabriel provides an introductory overview of war in the ancient world, from 2500 B.C.E. to 1453 C.E. and an examination of the evolution of modern warfare, from 1453 to 2002 C.E. An important and readable resource for scholars, students, and the general public interested in warfare and the ancient world, from Sumer, Egypt, and Rome to India, China, and Japan.

Reviews

[A] fascinating and superbly presented documentary showcasing eighteen ancient army systems ranging from Sumer and Akkad, to the Pharaohs, the Greeks, the Mongols, and Japanese....A fact-filled, strictly logical analysis packed with amazing military history and insights from the ancient world, The Great Armies of Antiquity is a seminal and inherently fascinating history. Also very highly recommended is Professor Gabriel's early work: Great Captains of Antiquity.-The Midwest Book Review
[A]n interesting and readable study of the world's great armies in the ancient world....Readers very interested in military history will find this volume excellent....Recommended. All libraries and levels.-Choice
"A fascinating and superbly presented documentary showcasing eighteen ancient army systems ranging from Sumer and Akkad, to the Pharaohs, the Greeks, the Mongols, and Japanese....A fact-filled, strictly logical analysis packed with amazing military history and insights from the ancient world, The Great Armies of Antiquity is a seminal and inherently fascinating history. Also very highly recommended is Professor Gabriel's early work: Great Captains of Antiquity."-The Midwest Book Review
"An interesting and readable study of the world's great armies in the ancient world....Readers very interested in military history will find this volume excellent....Recommended. All libraries and levels."-Choice
"[A]n interesting and readable study of the world's great armies in the ancient world....Readers very interested in military history will find this volume excellent....Recommended. All libraries and levels."-Choice
"[A] fascinating and superbly presented documentary showcasing eighteen ancient army systems ranging from Sumer and Akkad, to the Pharaohs, the Greeks, the Mongols, and Japanese....A fact-filled, strictly logical analysis packed with amazing military history and insights from the ancient world, The Great Armies of Antiquity is a seminal and inherently fascinating history. Also very highly recommended is Professor Gabriel's early work: Great Captains of Antiquity."-The Midwest Book Review

Author Bio

Richard A. Gabriel is a military historian and Adjunct Professor of Humanities and Ethics at Daniel Webster College. His most recent book is Great Captains of Antiquity (Greenwood, 2000).