The Macedonian War Machine

“[A] splendid and scholarly work . . . an essential guide for all serious students of military history and warfare in the age of Alexander.”—Professor Waldemar Heckel, University of Calgary The army that emerged from the reforms of Philip II of Macedon proved to be one of the most successful in the whole of the ancient period. Much has been written on aspects of Macedonian warfare, particularly the generalship of its most famous proponent, Alexander the Great, yet many studies retread the same paths and draw conclusion on the same narrow evidential base, while leaving important aspects and sources of information untouched. David Karunanithy concentrates on filling the gaps in existing studies, presenting and studying evidence frequently overlooked or ignored. The book is divided into four sections, each presenting a wealth of detail on various aspects: Preparation (including chapters on training techniques, various aspects of arms and armor production and supply and the provision and management of cavalry mounts); Support (eg noncombatant specialists, bridge building, field engineering, construction of field camps and little-known combat units in Asia); Dress and Battle Equipment (drawing on much neglected evidence and including such details as officers’ plumes, wreaths and finger rings); Alexander’s Veterans and Life on Campaign (the Silver Shields; baggage trains and personal kit, servants and families, camp life and recreation). “Karunanithy’s achievement is to draw together all the available evidence—artistic, numeristic, archaeological and literary—producing a thoroughly readable and coherent work . . . it should be a mandatory acquisition for anyone with an interest in the history of ancient Macedonia and its military.”—Ancient Warfare

Philip II of Macedonia (382–336 BCE), unifier of Greece, author of Greece's first federal constitution, founder of the first territorial state with a centralized administrative structure in Europe, forger of the first Western national army, first great general of the Greek imperial age, strategic and tactical genius, and military reformer who revolutionized warfare in Greece and the West, was one of the greatest captains in the military history of the West. Philip prepared the ground, assembled the resources, conceived the strategic vision, and launched the first modern, tactically sophisticated and strategically capable army in Western military history, making the later victories of his son Alexander possible. Philip's death marked the passing of the classical age of Greek history and warfare and the beginning of its imperial age. To Philip belongs the title of the first great general of a new age of warfare in the West, an age that he initiated with his introduction of a new instrument of war, the Macedonian phalanx, and the tactical doctrines to ensure its success. As a practitioner of the political art, Philip also had no equal. In all these things, Philip exceeded Alexander's triumphs. This book establishes Philip's legitimate and deserved place in military history, which, until now, has been largely minimized in favor of his son by the classicist writers who have dominated the field of ancient biography. Richard Gabriel, renowned military historian, has given us the first military biography of Philip II of Macedonia.

The acclaimed ancient world historian presents an accessible and authoritative account of the Macedonian Wars of the 3rd century, BCE. While the Roman Republic was struggling for survival against the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War, Philip V of Macedon attempted to take advantage of its apparent vulnerability by allying with Hannibal and declaring war. The Romans first negated this threat by deploying allies to keep Philip occupied in Greece and Illyria. Once Carthage was defeated, however, the stage was set for the clash of two of the most successful military systems of the ancient world, the Roman legions versus the Macedonian phalanx. Though sorely tested, the legions emerged victorious from the epic battles of Cynoscephelae and Pydna. The home of Alexander the Great fell under the power of Rome, along with the rest of Greece, which had a profound effect on Roman culture and society. Like the other volumes in this series, this book chronicles these wars in a clear narrative, explaining how the Roman war machine coped with formidable new foes and the challenges of unfamiliar terrain and climate. Specially commissioned color plates bring the main troop types vividly to life in meticulously researched detail.

Alexander the Great is one of the most famous men in history, and many believe he was the greatest military genius of all time (Julius Caesar wept at the feet of his statue in envy of his achievements). Most of his thirteen ear reign as king of Macedon was spent in hard campaigning which conquered half the known world, during which he was never defeated in open battle and never besieged a city he did not take. Yet, while biographies of Alexander abound, there are relatively few full-length books dedicated to the Macedonian army which made his dazzling conquests possible and which proved itself the most formidable machine of the age. Stephen English investigates every aspect of the Macedonian forces, analyzing, the recruitment, equipment, organization, tactics, command and control of the fighting arms (including the famous pike phalanxes, elite Hypaspists and incomparable Companion cavalry). Some of Alexander's most famous battles and sieges are described in detail to show the army in action. With forensic thoroughness he draws on recent archaeological evidence and scholarship to present a detailed portrait of the army which demonstrated a superiority over its opponents equal to (but much longer-lasting than) that enjoyed by the German forces in the blitzkrieg campaigns of 1939/40. Alexander's navy is also covered. AUTHOR: Dr. Stephen English (as he will be by publication) took the military career of Alexander the Great as his PhD thesis. This book is an expansion of his MA dissertation which Professor Rhodes of Durham University said 'contains many interesting new slants on existing scholarship'. SELLING POINTS: Drawing on the latest archaeology and research this is the most detailed study in recent years of Alexander's Macedonian army, the most efficient and successful war machine of its era. Covers recruitment, equipment, organization, tactics and command & control of all the fighting arms. Also siege engineers and Alexander's navy. Foreword by Professor Peter Rhodes, world-renowned authority on the period. ILLUSTRATIONS 20 illustrations

The Third Roman-Macedonian War was a disaster for Macedon, a defeat leading to the end of that kingdom's independence. This is usually attributed to an innate superiority of the Roman legionary tactics over the Macedonian system. Graham Wrightson, on the other hand, argues that the blame lies entirely with Perseus, the last king of Macedon. He analyzes the whole war, following the primary source accounts and focusing on Perseus’ military decisions and his battlefield strategies. It confirms the prevailing view of the sources that Perseus was too hesitant and non-committal in his early conduct of the war. More significantly it argues that Perseus mishandled the Macedonian army when it comes to combined-arms tactics by adopting a defensive posture, particularly at the final battle of Pydna. The Macedonian military system based on a slow sarissa phalanx is suited entirely to an offensive battle plan coordinating a frontally irresistible phalanx in the centre and a rapid heavy cavalry attack on one wing. Most importantly, though, Perseus refused to spend money to hire 10,000 Gallic horsemen and the lack of cavalry cost him the initiative and the victory. This is a fascinating and thoroughly researched study of these dramatic events that adds fresh insight to the question of the legion's supposed supremacy over the phalanx.

Embark on a historical odyssey with Luigi Villari's gripping account, "The Macedonian Campaign." Traverse the battlefields of ancient times as you follow the footsteps of Alexander the Great, a conqueror whose legacy shaped the course of history. As Villari's narrative unfolds, immerse yourself in the epic saga of one of the greatest military campaigns in human history. From the shores of Greece to the heart of Persia, witness the clash of empires and the relentless march of an army driven by ambition and glory. But amidst the dust of war and the clang of swords, a compelling question arises: What drove Alexander to embark on this audacious campaign, and what lessons can we glean from his triumphs and tribulations? Explore the motivations behind the Macedonian conquest and uncover timeless truths about leadership, ambition, and the pursuit of greatness. Are you prepared to march alongside the legendary figures of antiquity and witness the drama of "The Macedonian Campaign" unfold before your eyes? Immerse yourself in concise, evocative paragraphs that bring to life the grandeur and complexity of ancient warfare. From strategic brilliance to personal rivalries, each chapter offers a glimpse into the tumultuous world of Alexander's conquests. Join the ranks of history's greatest warriors and conquerors. Dive into "The Macedonian Campaign" and experience the thrill of conquest, the agony of defeat, and the enduring legacy of one man's quest for immortality. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of military history. Purchase "The Macedonian Campaign" today and embark on a journey through the annals of ancient warfare.

When the dying Alexander the Great was asked to whom he bequeathed his vast empire, he supposedly replied 'to the strongest.' There ensued a long series of struggles between his generals and governors for control of these vast territories.Most of these Diadochi, or successors, were consummate professionals who had learned their trade under Alexander and, in some cases, his father Philip. This second volume studies how they applied that experience and further developed the art of war in a further four decades of warfare. This is a period rich in fascinating tactical developments. The all-conquering Macedonian war machine developed by Philip and Alexander was adapted in various ways (such as the addition of war elephants) by the different successors according to their resources. Siege and naval warfare is also included.

ñArmies of the Macedonian and Punic Warsî is an important member of the WRG Ltd ñArmies and Enemiesî series. First published in 1983, it has long been out-of-print and we are delighted to make it available once more. It includes details of Persian, Gr