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From "Soldiers & Ghosts- A History of Battle in Classical Antiquity," (2005), by J. E. Lendon, Bibliographical Notes, on page 394, "Frustratingly perverse but a forefather to the present work in its interest in treating the evolution of tactics as a historical problem, seeking reasons for change, and relating military forms to the wider world of combatants, is H. Delbruck's "History of the Art of War, vol 1, "Warfare in Antiquity," (1920) and vol. 2, "The Barbarian Invasions." On Delbruck (with insight into his perversity), see G.A. Craig, "Delbruck: The Military Historian," in P. Paret (ed.), "Makers of Modern Strategy," (1986) pp. 326-53.
There are no maps or diagrams, which IMO are essential to truly understanding battles. For instance in Volume One, "Warfare in Antiquity," we have on page 538 "The Battle of Pharsalus." This is beautifully described by Delbruck, but as I stated there are no maps or diagrams contained within. This is a serious lack and for true understanding a map or diagram is necessary. He puts Caesar's Commentaries in their place, full of hyperbole, and he still goes to great lenghts to understand them.
Re: maps, and for easier reading, see Richard A. Gabriel's books "The Great Battles of Antiquity," and his " Empires at War," three volumes, have maps of the "Battle of Pharsalus," which graphically represents Caesar's placement of the "six cohort line" at on oblique angle behind his cavalry. This was the decisive move which enveloped Pompey's cavalry, leading to Caesar's victory. Gabriel also has some great commentary in his books about Pharsalus and many other battles.
For beginner I would start with Gabriel's books and if the interest stays with you move on later to Delbruck's books. Gabriel has a much easier writing style and presents the essential materials in a easy straight forward way to understand the big picture. Delbruck can get mired in a numbers game for page after page, which IMO is not essential to the understanding of these battles in antiquity.
For general reference: "O2S4 MEC:"
Objective (Simplicity);
Offensive, Sprit of;
Superiority at Point of Contact (Economy of Force);
Surprise (Security);
Security (Surprise);
Simplicity (Objective);
Movement (Mobility);
Economy of Force (Superiority at Point of Contact);
Cooperation (Unity of Command)
- Series: Warfare in Antiquity
- Paperback: 604 pages
- Publisher: University of Nebraska Press; Revised ed. edition (February 1, 1990)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 080329199X
- ISBN-13: 978-0803291997
- Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.4 x 9 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
- Customer Reviews: 21 customer reviews
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