Ancient Battle Formations

A careful study of the Greek and Latin sources that shed fresh light on how these formations were organized, reevaluating many conventional notions and leading to some surprising conclusions. Justin Swanton examines the principal battle-winning formations of the Ancient world, determining their composition, function and efficacy. An introductory chapter looks at the fundamental components of the principal battle formations of heavy and light infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots, showing how they bolstered the individual's soldier's willingness to fight.The rest of the book focuses on massed infantry that reigned supreme in this era: the heavily armored Greek hoplite phalanx that was immune to the weaponry of its non-Greek opponents; the Macedonian pike phalanx that was unbeatable against frontal attacks so long as it kept order; the Roman triplex acies which, contrary to popular opinion, consisted of continuous lines in open order, with file spaces wide enough to allow embattled infantry to fall back after which those files closed up instantly against the enemy.A careful study of the Greek and Latin of the sources sheds fresh light on how these formations were organized and worked, reevaluating many conventional notions and leading to some surprising conclusions.

History

Swanton, Justin

Ancient Civilizations

Pen and Sword Military

Review\n"Ancient Battle Formations is a substantial scholarly yet easily readable study of the primary and most effective military formations utilized from the 2nd Persian invasion of Greece until the end of Principate in 2 AD. In conclusion, this book is both important for its thoroughly researched, original and well-argued historical conclusions and an enjoyable read. Highly recommended." 
Prof. F Noel Zaal (BA, LLB University of Natal, LLM Durban-Westville, LLM Columbia, PhD Wits)\n“The book has enough information to please the history lover, wargamer, and the military modeler all in one concise volume.” 
A Wargamers Needful Things\nJustin Swanton examines the principal battle-winning formations of the Ancient world, determining their composition, function and efficacy. An introductory chapter looks at the fundamental components of the principal battle formations of heavy and light infantry, cavalry, elephants and chariots, showing how they bolstered the individual soldier's willingness to fight.\nThe rest of the book focuses on massed infantry that reigned supreme in this era: the heavily armored Greek hoplite phalanx that was immune to the weaponry of its non-Greek opponents; the Macedonian pike phalanx that was unbeatable against frontal attacks so long as it kept order; the Roman triplex acies which, contrary to popular opinion, consisted of continuous lines in open order, with file spaces wide enough to allow embattled infantry to fall back after which those files closed up instantly against the enemy.\nA careful study of the Greek and Latin of the sources sheds fresh light on how these formations were organized and worked, re-evaluating many conventional notions and leading to some surprising conclusions.

Her Frankish mother dead, 17-year-old Aemilia arrives at Soissons in Roman Gaul in search of her Roman father whom she has never met. She knows only that his name is Tarunculus and that he is a former centurion. She finds a firebrand, derided by the townsfolk, trying vainly to ignite a spark of patriotism in his fellow Romans.Soon, Aemilia is caught up in her father's schemes and the intrigues of the Roman nobility in Soissons. But in the end, which side will win her loyalty? In the war between Franks and Romans to decide the fate of the last province of the Western Empire, Providence will lead her down a path she could never have imagined.Centurion's Daughter is a thoughtful and compelling journey to the tumultuous last gasp of the Roman Empire in the West. Written and illustrated by master storyteller Justin Swanton, the book sheds light on a little known period of history when an empire fell and a powerful new Catholic kingdom emerged.

Centurion's Daughter

Literature & Fiction

Genre Fiction

Arx Publishing

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Swanton, Justin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Swanton, Justin

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Swanton, Justin. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Ancient Battle Formations

Ancient Battle Formations

Centurion's Daughter