Title
Soldiers and Ghosts: A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity,Used
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A major new history of battle in the ancient world, from the age of Homer through the decline of the Roman empireWhat set the successful armies of Sparta, Macedon, and Rome apart from those they defeated? In this major new history of battle from the age of Homer through the decline of the Roman empire, J. E. Lendon surveys a millennium of warfare to discover how militaries changeand dont changeand how an armys greatness depends on its use of the past.Noting this was an age that witnessed few technological advances, J. E. Lendon shows us that the most successful armies were those that made the most effective use of cultural tradition. Ancient combat moved forward by looking backward for inspirationthe Greeks, to Homer; the Romans, to the Greeks and to their own heroic past. The best ancient armies recruited soldiers from societies with strong competitive traditions; and the best ancient leaders, from Alexander to Julius Caesar, called upon those traditions to encourage ferocious competition at every rank.Ranging from the Battle of Champions between Sparta and Argos in 550 B.C. through Julians invasion of Persia in A.D. 363, Soldiers and Ghosts brings to life the most decisive military contests of ancient Greece and Rome. Lendon places these battles, and the methods by which they were fought, in a sweeping narrative of ancient military history. On every battlefield, living soldiers fought alongside the ghosts of traditionghosts that would inspire greatness for almost a millennium before ultimately coming to stifle it.
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- Q: What is the main focus of 'Soldiers and Ghosts'? A: 'Soldiers and Ghosts' offers a comprehensive history of battle in classical antiquity, examining how armies like those of Sparta, Macedon, and Rome utilized cultural traditions to achieve military success.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Soldiers and Ghosts'? A: The book is authored by J. E. Lendon, a historian who explores the dynamics of ancient warfare.
- Q: How many pages does 'Soldiers and Ghosts' contain? A: 'Soldiers and Ghosts' consists of 480 pages, providing an in-depth look at ancient military history.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it flexible and easy to handle.
- Q: When was 'Soldiers and Ghosts' published? A: 'Soldiers and Ghosts' was published on August 22, 2006.
- Q: What historical period does the book cover? A: The book covers a millennium of warfare from the age of Homer to the decline of the Roman Empire.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Soldiers and Ghosts'? A: The book explores themes of military strategy, cultural tradition, and the interplay between past and present in warfare.
- Q: Is 'Soldiers and Ghosts' suitable for those interested in military history? A: Yes, 'Soldiers and Ghosts' is highly suitable for readers interested in military history, particularly in the context of ancient Greece and Rome.
- Q: What distinguished the successful armies in ancient battles? A: Successful armies in ancient battles distinguished themselves through the effective use of cultural traditions and competitive practices.
- Q: Does the book include specific battles in its narrative? A: Yes, 'Soldiers and Ghosts' details significant military contests such as the Battle of Champions between Sparta and Argos.