Understanding Ancient Battle: Combat in the Classical World from the Unit Commander’s Perspective

The officers' battle is a significant gap in our understanding of ancient combat, and Hugh Elton's book seeks to redress this by analyzing the interaction of equipment, morale, leadership, and terrain. It outlines what we know of equipment, organization, and tactics, and shows how battle worked in a series of case studies, including Marathon, Issus, Cannae, Cynoscephalae, Mons Graupius, and Adrianople.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The traditional military history of battles has traditionally focused on the strategies of great leaders, while in modern times, scholars have delved into the 'face of battle,' describing the personal experiences of ordinary soldiers. However, a significant gap still exists in our understanding of ancient combat: the officers' battle. This focuses on the actual fighting and maneuvering of units during battle. Hugh Elton aims to bridge this gap by examining the interplay of equipment, morale, leadership, and terrain.

In the following paragraphs, we will explore the book's content and its significance in understanding ancient warfare.

Source Material and General Model of Warfare:
Elton begins by discussing the source material he used for his analysis and the general model of warfare he follows. He emphasizes the importance of studying primary sources, such as historical texts and archaeological evidence, to gain a deeper understanding of the battles. The author also discusses the concept of warfare as a social and cultural phenomenon, rather than solely a military one.

Equipment, Organization, and Tactics:
The book then outlines the known information about equipment, organization, and tactics during the period studied. Elton provides a comprehensive overview of the weapons, armor, and other equipment used by soldiers in ancient battles. He also discusses the organizational structures of armies and the roles of different military units, such as infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

Battle Analysis:
Elton's book is rich in battle analysis, using a series of case studies to illustrate how battles worked. These case studies include famous battles such as Marathon, Issus, Cannae, Cynoscephalae, Mons Graupius, and Adrianople. Each battle is analyzed in detail, considering the terrain, the tactics employed by both sides, and the outcomes of the conflict.

Twenty-Four Battles:
The book covers a total of twenty-four battles between the fifth-century BCE and the sixth century CE, encompassing the wars described by great historians such as Herodotus and Procopius. These accounts are written by soldiers such as Xenophon, Julius Caesar, and Ammianus Marcellinus, providing firsthand insights into the experiences of ordinary soldiers in battle.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Hugh Elton's book is a valuable contribution to the study of ancient warfare. By examining the officers' battle, the book provides a deeper understanding of how units fought and maneuvered in battle. Through analysis of the interplay of equipment, morale, leadership, and terrain, Elton offers a comprehensive overview of ancient combat. The book's use of case studies and primary sources makes it accessible to a wide audience, and its insights into the experiences of ordinary soldiers add a human dimension to our understanding of ancient warfare.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526753977