Greenhill are about to publish a stunning guide to ancient warfare and one which describes the fighting techniques of soldiers in Europe and the Middle East in an age which continues to fascinate and surprise. The book explores the tactics commanders employed to win battles and outlines the range of options open to those leading the armies of the ancient world. Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World examines the individual components of ancient armies - including the infantry, archers and mounted troops - and highlights their particular role. It then goes on to study the various formations adopted by troops on the field of battle, from the Greek phalanx to the tactics employed by lightly-armed skirmishers. Examples covered include the battles of Kadesh in 1275 BC, Platea in 479 BC, Gaugamela in 331 BC, the Roman triumph at Pydna in 168 BC, Aquae Sextae in 102 BC, Strasbourg in 357 AD and the bloody encounter of the Catalaunian Field in 451 AD. The book includes an examination of how commanders coordinated the various troops at their disposal and, using examples from ancient battles, assesses the various merits of particular combinations. In addition, chapters study tactics employed in naval operations - including those used at Salamis, Actium and Mylae - and those used by the besieged or besiegers in the reduction of such fortified places as Syracuse and Alesia. The book includes more than 120 images, including specially-commissioned artwork by leading authorities - including Peter Connolly - and photographs of archaeological evidence. There are also twenty full-colour maps of battles and sieges to accompany the detailed text. Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World is a visually-striking and accessible book on this fascinating period and a key to understanding the Assyrian, Egyptian, Greek, Macedonian and Roman way of war. This colourful book has been compiled by key international scholars of the period, including Simon Anglim, Phyllis G. Jestice, Rob S. Rice, Scott M. Rusch and John Serrati. Drawing on years of research, this team has been able to provide an authoritative yet accessible guide to ancient warfare. Back to Greenhill Military Book News No. 116 Table of Contents Back to Greenhill Military Book News List of Issues Back to Master Magazine List © Copyright 2002 by Greenhill Books This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com