published 1997 Greenhill Books, ISBN 1-85367-266-1 (first published 1978). I picked up this gem up at Historicon from On Military Matters. It is truly an outstanding book covering all aspects of military affairs which are based on biblical accounts. Using a combination of the Bible and other ancient literature, archeological evidence, and topology the authors develop as much detail as the sources allow. And the detail is abundant - motives, strategy, tactics, equipment, army composidon and battle narratives. The focus of the authors remains very tightly on these topics. The 320 page book includes 38 maps, 98 illustrations half of them are photographs of the topology) and a chronology in chart form of the major events and leaders of the period. The book covers the Israelis and Judeans from the 13th century Exodus from Egypt to the Maccabees. Some examples: About 852 BC the (mid-) Assyrian juggernaut rolled into Aram Harnath (modern Syria). Shalmanezer III's forces included chariots, cavalry armed with lance, bow or spear, heavily armored infantry and a large assortment of siege equipment. The Assyrian annalists also preserved the order of battle of the opposing allied coalition. Led by Ahab (the Jew, not Moby Dick's nemesis) the Allies consisted of 2000 Israeli chariots and 10,000 foot, 1200 Damascene chariots, 1200 cavalry and 10,000 foot, 40 Phoenician chariots and 20,200 foot, 1000 Egyptian foot, 1000 Arab camel, and so on. Ahab and the Allies beat evil empire at the battle of Qarqar and pushed them back (to Bagdad?). Unfortunately we lack the battle narrative or any hints on tactics. Not so with David's battles against the Philistines. The two battles of King David against the Philistines in the Rephaim Valley are recounted in detail. The authors provide a clear narrative of the movement of the forces and their use terrain. If you have Biblical armies you will want to dust them off after reading this book. If not you will want to start painting. There is plenty of good lead out there for most of the nationalities but does anybody know of a good range for those kick-ass Judeans? More Reviews Caesar Against the Gauls (book) Battles of the Bible (book) Museum Miniatures 15mm Early Byzantines (miniatures) Back to Saga #63 Table of Contents Back to Saga List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1998 by Terry Gore 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