Philip De Souza

The Ancient World at War: a Global History Philip De Souza

Marc Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 308-310) and index. Publisher Marketing: A global history of ancient warfare, covering Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, Central Asia, India, China, Korea, Japan, and the Americas. In this new survey of ancient warfare, a group of distinguished historians and archaeologists discusses major battles and wars from around the world. The book ranges in time from 8000 BC and the earliest evidence of warfare in northern Iraq to the armies of the Aztecs and Incas half a millennium ago, and includes Alexander the Greats triumphant campaigns against Persia in the fourth century BC, Caesars Gallic Wars, the Han Chinese defeat of the nomadic Xiongnu horsemen, and the Inca ruler Atahualpas last stand against Pizarro. The authors combine descriptions of the course of military events with expert analyses and explanations of the underlying social, economic, and cultural factors that shaped ancient warfare. Their essays survey the evolution of armies, tactics, and military equipment, from the strategic mastery evident in an early Chinese treatise on war by Sunzi to the rise of the Greek hoplite warrior and the development of swords and armor in ancient Japan. Special features cover key battles such as Qadesh, Issus, and Cannae; weaponry from shields to artillery; and visual resources such as Trajans Column and the Terracotta Army. Review Citations: Library Journal 07/15/2008 pg. 91 (EAN 9780500251386, Hardcover) Contributor Bio:  de Souza, Philip Philip de Souza teaches in the School of Classics at University College Dublin. His many books include "The Greek and Persian Wars 499-387 BC" and "Piracy in the Graeco-Roman World."