Overview
This volume is unique in addressing a key aspect of ancient warfare across a broad chronological and cultural span, focusing on generalship from Archaic Greece to the Byzantine Empire in the twelfth century AD. Across this broad span, it explores a range of ideas on how to be a successful general, showing how the art of generalship a profession that has been occupied variously by the political elite, the mercenary soldier and the eunuch evolved and adapted to shifting notions of how a good military leader should act. Highlighting developments and continuities in this age-old profession across the Graeco-Roman world, this volume brings together the latest research on generalship from both established and new voices. The chapters examine both ideals of generalship and specific examples of generals, considering the principles underpinning the roles they played and the qualities desired in them. They discuss in particular the intersection between military and political roles, the addresses delivered by generals to their troops, the virtue of courage and the commemoration of victory as well as defeat. In addition, contributors consider cross-cultural comparisons of generalship, with specific chapters devoted to Persian, Arab and Chinese views.
Full Product Details
Author: Shaun Tougher ,
Richard Evans
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Imprint: Edinburgh University Press
ISBN: 9781474459952
ISBN 10: 1474459951
Pages: 376
Publication Date: 15 November 2023
Audience:
College/higher education
,
Tertiary & Higher Education
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us.
Reviews
""This stimulating and innovative collection of essays takes a traditional subject in ancient military history and reinvigorates it by shifting discussion away from a focus on 'great commanders' to analysis of ancient ideals and principles of military leadership, while also contextualising this discussion within a broader chronological and geographical framework."" -Doug Lee, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History, University of Nottingham
"""This stimulating and innovative collection of essays takes a traditional subject in ancient military history and reinvigorates it by shifting discussion away from a focus on 'great commanders' to analysis of ancient ideals and principles of military leadership, while also contextualising this discussion within a broader chronological and geographical framework."" -Doug Lee, Emeritus Professor of Ancient History, University of Nottingham"
Author Information
Shaun Tougher, Professor in Ancient History, Cardiff University.
