Publisher's Synopsis
Gabriel examines 18 ancient army systems, examining the organizational structure and weapons employed and the degree to which cultural values and imperatives shaped the form and application of military force. 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. Cross-cultural and cross-historical connections ground the analysis in the larger historical context of the ancient world.
Sumer and Akkad
The Armies of the Pharaohs
The Hittites
The Mitanni
Armies of the Bible
The Iron Army of Assyria
Chinese Armies
Persia and the Art of Logistics
The Greeks
Carthaginian Armies
Armies of India
Rome
The Iberians, Celts, Germans, and Goths
The Army of Byzantium
The Vikings
The Arab Armies
The Japanese Way of War
The Mongols
The Ottomans
This book also provides an introductory overview of war in the ancient world, from 2500 B.C.E. to 1453 C.E., as well as an examination of the evolution of modern warfare from 1453 to 2002 C.E.
