Author: Gabriele Esposito
Publisher: Pen and Sword
This book provides a complete and detailed analysis of the organization and equipment employed by the armies of the Hellenistic States. After Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BC, his immense Macedonian empire was divided between his ambitious generals, who in turn formed their own monarchies across Eastern Europe, Asia and North Africa.
This work will follow the development of the Hellenistic military forces from the army bequeathed by Alexander the Great to the complex military machines that succumbed one by one in the wars against the expanding Romans.
As decades and centuries progressed, Hellenistic warfare became always more sophisticated: the ‘diadochi’ (Alexander’s successors) could field armies with thousands of men, chariots, elephants and siege machines; these came from all the territories of the former Macedonian Empire.
The book will also show how Hellenistic forces were strongly influenced by Roman models during the last years of independence of their kingdoms. The states analysed are Macedon, Seleucid Empire, Ptolemaic Egypt, Greco-Bactrian Kingdom, Armenia, Pergamon, Pontus, Cappadocia, Galatia, Bosporan Kingdom, Epirus, Sicily, Achaean League and Aetolian League.
Gabriele Esposito covers 350 years of Hellenistic history in a single book, examining the organisation and equipment used by the soldiers of the Hellenistic states.
When Alexander dies in 323 BC, his empire fragmented and broke up. Separate states formed in the aftermath, and new kingdoms were born right across Alexanders former empire.
The author reveals the various military forces that existed in the wake of Alexanders death right up until the Roman Army made the Phalanx obsolete in combat.
Every time the military forces of the Hellenistic states faced the Roman army in battle they lost.
Gabriele writes in a very easy to read style, which make this a joy to pick up and peruse. It lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs, diagrams and maps.
The book is broken down in to 15 chapters and 155 pages, even though this is quite a slim volume, it’s packed with useful information.
Wargamers especially will love this book, as it provides just enough detailed information that doesn’t bog the reader down, likewise all the reference photos will be a great resource for those who like to model and paint.
For those looking to study the period this would be an excellent starting point to jump off from.
I’ve enjoyed reading this particular book as I’ve toyed with the idea of gaming this period of history for some time. I even picked up some 1/72 ancient Greeks to start a small army but never got around to painting and fielding them in battle.
Reading this has tempted me yet again to build and paint an army, and maybe this time I’ll start and finish it.
Musket, Sword and Paint 