Ancient Warfare: A Very Short Introduction

· OUP Oxford
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192
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About this ebook

Greek and Roman warfare differed from other cultures and was unlike any other forms of warfare before and after. The key difference is often held to be that the Greeks and Romans practised a 'Western Way of War', where the aim is an open, decisive battle, won by courage instilled in part by discipline. Harry Sidebottom looks at how and why this 'Western Way of War' was constructed and maintained by the Greeks and Romans, why this concept is so popular and prevalent today, and at whether or not this is an accurate interpretation. All aspects of ancient warfare are thoroughly examined - from philosophy and strategy to the technical skills needed to fight. He looks at war in the wider context - how wars could shape classical society, and how the individual's identity could be constructed by war, for example the Christian soldier fighting in God's name. He also explores the ways in which ancient society thought about conflict: Can a war be just? Why was siege warfare particularly bloody? What role did divine intervention play in the outcome of a battle? Taking fascinating examples from the Iliad, Tacitus, and the Persian Wars, Sidebottom uses arresting anecdotes and striking visual images to show that the any understanding of ancient war is an ongoing process of interpretation. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Greek and Roman warfare differed from other cultures and was unlike any other forms of warfare before and after. The key difference is often held to be that the Greeks and Romans practised a 'Western Way of War', where the aim is an open, decisive battle, won by courage instilled in part by disci...

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3 reviews
Fabiana NOT drugs NOT sugar NOT lgbtq
September 17, 2026
URGENT PLEASE URGENT HELP ME URGENT PLEASE I still eat meat and am nourished by the Holy Spirit, who DEVOURS THE FLESH and convicts of righteousness, sin, and judgment Mangio ancora carne e mi nutro dello Spirito Santo, che DIVORA LA CARNE e convince di giustizia, di peccato e di giudizio Life inspires Game🎼 before the thefts, before the torture in the hospital, the ten years of the stolen cell phone, and all the crooked schemes of the auqadelas lgbtq drug-trafficking ringleader; the Polices 🚔 were already hunting PokĂ©mon back then, and they still are No intelligent person wants to use drugs, so they mix drugs with sugar to lure children No drugs, no addictions; respecting the law is the most important religion in the universe Socialism, communism, and injustices for example lgbtq+ mutilation psychopatism issues are criminal pandemics that kill people rampantly across the globe 🧊đŸȘ– ICE 🧊đŸȘ– DHS 🧊đŸȘ– CBP 🧊đŸȘ– ERO Assistenza sanitaria senza furti Healthcare without theft for body RESPECT FOR THE LAW THE MOST IMPORTANT REGION OF THE UNIVERSE RISPETTO PER LA LEGGE LA REGIONE PIÙ IMPORTANTE DELL'UNIVERSO Todos e serpenti infidi che mi hanno derubato in questi dieci anni di ingiustizia raccoglieranno gli stessi frutti e faranno la stessa fine di quel auqadelas 🐍 judas All the treacherous snakes who have robbed me during these ten years of injustice will reap the same harvest and meet the same end as that judas🐍 auqadelas Faster than the speed of light, like the One faster than the speed of light who imprisoned the devil before the rising of the sun
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About the author

Dr Harry Sidebottom is Fellow of Greyfriar`s Hall, and Lecturer in Ancient History at Lincoln College, University of Oxford. He had written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.
Dr Harry Sidebottom is Fellow of Greyfriar`s Hall, and Lecturer in Ancient History at Lincoln College, University of Oxford. He had written for and contributed to many publications, including Classical Review, Journal of Roman Studies, and War and Society in the Roman World.

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