For almost two centuries the Macedonian phalanx; created by Philip II and refined by his son; Alexander the Great; dominated the battlefields of the ancient world from the sweltering riverbanks of India to the wooded hills of Italy. As the preferred weapon of some of antiquity’s greatest commanders; this powerful military system took center stage in many of the largest and most decisive conflicts of ancient times. In Great Battles of the Hellenistic World; Joseph Pietrykowski explores the struggles that shook the ancient world and shaped history. From the structure and composition of the opposing armies; to the strategy of their campaigns; to the leadership decisions and tactics that decided the engagements; Great Battles of the Hellenistic World examines seventeen landmark conflicts from Chaironeia to Pydna over the course of 170 years of bloody warfare.REVIEWS “The writing is quite lively and interesting… of value to war-gamers because he sets the stage well and there is a lot of tactical detail. …is an enjoyable book to read…â€'Bryn Mawr Classical Review
#901826 in Books John Hunt 2013-01-16Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.38 x .52 x 5.42l; .0 #File Name: 1846943817224 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Educational ReadBy James S. MacLachlanIt was an interesting book a great view of history from an other than normal point of view. World economics; innovation; political struggles over sheep? Yes; indeed he does make a pretty good case for it - a fairly entertaining one. One of his references was Daniel Defoe who; besides writing "Robinson Crusoe"; also traveled about Britain wrote "A Tour Through the Whole Island of Great Britain". Quotes of Defoe's observations lent a lot of strength to his arguments.I would have liked a bit more specifics about the sheep themselves the arts of turning their wool into cloth. All his observations were general would probably be fine for most; but Mom raised them for a number of years so I know a bit more than average would have liked to know more. He didn't cover that most probably will be glad that he didn't.Mechanically; his writing was pretty good. He sometimes swarmed around in time came back by the same era people several times but each time it was from a different angle. He tied together cause effect nicely; without swamping me with too many disparate details all at once. Even if I wasn't familiar with that particular time place in history; by the time he was finished; I had a pretty good view of it.I also really appreciated the way he finished each chapter with a paragraph or two that concisely summed up the point he'd made throughout. Very well done; readable; understandable memorable.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful book!By Jennifer BogutOne of my favorite books - I have purchased multiple copies to give to friends! So interesting - not at all like a dry history book; but a story told about a truly amazing and oftentimes underappreciated animal. Highly recommend!
