Equipment, Combat Skills and Tactics. Simon Anglim et al. Greenhill Books. 2002. £17. 99. ISBN 1-85367-522-9. This is a very useful volume, 250 pages with an excellent glossary and select bibliography. Packed with illustrations, both black and white and in colour, and with 24 tactical maps of battles and sieges from Alesia to Actium. It first considers in some detail the role of foot soldiers in ancient warfare from Sumer to the the late Romans, and goes on to deal equally well with mounted warfare, chariots, cavalry and elephants using Kadesh and the Battle of Catalaunian Field (AD451) as examples; this chapter also provides a good note on camels in ancient warfare. ‘Command and Control’ is dealt with by referring to a number of less well-known battles, including the Milvian Bridge (AD312) and gives an insight into the control problems of coalition armies. A further chapter deals with siege warfare from the Assyrians onwards to Dura Europos in AD256-7, and considers not merely the weapons used in the art of poliorcetics, but the importance of sieges in controlling the site of battles. Particularly useful this, though I should have liked to have seen some more information on incendiaries included. The final chapter of a very readable book deals with warfare at sea and this to me as a naval wargamer is well done indeed. Not only are Salamis, Chios and Mylae covered, as naturally is Actium, but there’s also a good and gameable account of Pompey’s campaign of 67AD against the pirates, which beset Rome’s sea lanes. For those wargamers who are somewhat reluctant to dabble afloat, this chapter should provide some useful insights. This is a book of significant value to those who perhaps are moving towards acquiring ancient armies, and also to wargamers needing some new scenarios for their ubiquitous Romans. Good value. Recommended. [I generally agree with Rob’s comments on this book and also support the recommendation, however, my main problem was the labeling of the excellent maps that could have been done in a clearer and more logical manner. Kenn] More Book Reviews “The Armourer” (Magazine) Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World Siege Mines and Underground Warfare A ‘Hampshire Paper’ : ACW Naval Battle Back to Table of Contents -- Lone Warrior #144 Back to Lone Warrior List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2003 by Solo Wargamers Association. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com