Analyzes the leadership and strategies of three forefront military leaders from the ancient world, offers insight into the purposes behind their conflicts, and shows what today's leaders can glean from their successes and failures.
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.
This biography portrays Alexander as both a complex personality and a single-minded general, a man capable of such diverse expediencies as patricide or the massacre of civilians. Writing for the general reader, the author provides gritty details on Alexander's darker side while providing a gripping tale of Alexander's career.
In the first authoritative biography of Alexander the Great written for a general audience in a generation, classicist and historian Philip Freeman tells the remarkable life of the great conqueror. The celebrated Macedonian king has been one of the most enduring figures in history. He was a general of such skill and renown that for two thousand years other great leaders studied his strategy and tactics, from Hannibal to Napoleon, with countless more in between. He flashed across the sky of history like a comet, glowing brightly and burning out quickly: crowned at age nineteen, dead by thirty-two. He established the greatest empire of the ancient world; Greek coins and statues are found as far east as Afghanistan. Our interest in him has never faded. Alexander was born into the royal family of Macedonia, the kingdom that would soon rule over Greece. Tutored as a boy by Aristotle, Alexander had an inquisitive mind that would serve him well when he faced formidable obstacles during his military campaigns. Shortly after taking command of the army, he launched an invasion of the Persian empire, and continued his conquests as far south as the deserts of Egypt and as far east as the mountains of present-day Pakistan and the plains of India. Alexander spent nearly all his adult life away from his homeland, and he and his men helped spread the Greek language throughout western Asia, where it would become the lingua franca of the ancient world. Within a short time after Alexander’s death in Baghdad, his empire began to fracture. Best known among his successors are the Ptolemies of Egypt, whose empire lasted until Cleopatra. In his lively and authoritative biography of Alexander, classical scholar and historian Philip Freeman describes Alexander’s astonishing achievements and provides insight into the mercurial character of the great conqueror. Alexander could be petty and magnanimous, cruel and merciful, impulsive and farsighted. Above all, he was ferociously, intensely competitive and could not tolerate losing—which he rarely did. As Freeman explains, without Alexander, the influence of Greece on the ancient world would surely not have been as great as it was, even if his motivation was not to spread Greek culture for beneficial purposes but instead to unify his empire. Only a handful of people have influenced history as Alexander did, which is why he continues to fascinate us.
Embark on a scholarly exploration with "Great Captains: A Course of Six Lectures" by Theodore Ayrault Dodge, where the military genius of history's most formidable leaders is meticulously examined. This compelling series of lectures delves into the strategies, battles, and legacies of Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Julius Caesar, Gustavus Adolphus, Frederick the Great, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Join Theodore Ayrault Dodge on an insightful journey through the annals of military history, as he illuminates the tactical brilliance and strategic innovations of these legendary commanders. "Great Captains" offers a detailed analysis of the campaigns that shaped the course of warfare, highlighting the enduring influence of these great leaders on the art of war. Dodge's masterful storytelling and rigorous historical research bring to life the pivotal moments and key decisions that defined the careers of these six military titans. Through engaging lectures, he provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of each captain's unique approach to leadership, their tactical maneuvers, and the lasting impact of their conquests. The tone of "Great Captains" is both informative and captivating, offering a blend of scholarly analysis and vivid narrative that appeals to history enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Dodge's in-depth character studies reveal the personal qualities and tactical genius that set these leaders apart, providing valuable insights into the nature of military leadership and strategy. Since its publication, "Great Captains" has been praised for its thorough research and engaging presentation. Dodge's ability to distill complex military concepts into accessible and compelling narratives has earned this work a place of honor in the field of military history. Delve into the lives and campaigns of these legendary commanders and discover the timeless principles of warfare that continue to resonate in modern military strategy. Dodge's "Great Captains" is an essential read for anyone interested in the art of war and the enduring legacy of history's greatest military leaders. In conclusion, "Great Captains" is more than just a historical account—it is a profound exploration of the art and science of warfare, seen through the lens of six extraordinary leaders. Whether you are a history buff, a military enthusiast, or simply seeking an engaging and educational read, this book promises to deliver a rich and rewarding experience. Don't miss your chance to learn from the masters of military strategy—grab your copy of "Great Captains" today and gain a deeper understanding of the principles that have shaped the history of warfare. Don't miss your chance to experience the profound insights of Theodore Ayrault Dodge's historical analysis. Let "Great Captains" guide you through the strategies and triumphs of history's most legendary military leaders. Grab your copy now and join the ranks of readers who have been enlightened by Dodge's masterful lectures.
A classic history of one of the world's greatest military commanders. At the age of 20, Alexander the Great inherited the near-bankrupt kingdom of Macedonia and its small but revolutionary army, built around an unbreakable infantry phalanx and a shock cavalry force. In just ten years, he led this army on a march of conquest across most of the known world: Greece, Asia Minor, the Near East, Egypt, the lands of the Fertile Crescent, and on into what we now know as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. Undefeated in battle, in his short life he immeasurably changed the course of history. Theodore Ayrault Dodge's account of the campaigns was first published in 1890, as part of his “Great Captains” series. The author, an experienced military officer and historian, follows the entire career of Alexander the Great, reconstructs his army, his strategy, and all of his battles, and explains his lasting impact on the art of war. The result is a classic military history and biography. This ebook edition includes an active table of contents, reflowable text, and over 200 campaign maps, battle diagrams, and illustrations.
The epic romance and adventure of King Arthur. "This is the story of 'King' Arthur, as I think it happened," Henry Treece wrote about his novel. The Great Captains is about no romantic ghost but a man of the wild, forbidding world of ancient Britain.
Has any ancient figure captivated the imagination of people over the centuries so much as Alexander the Great? In less than a decade he created an empire stretching across much of the Near East as far as India, which led to Greek culture becoming dominant in much of this region for a millennium. Here, an international team of experts clearly explains the life and career of one of the most significant figures in world history. They introduce key themes of his campaign as well as describing aspects of his court and government and exploring the very different natures of his engagements with the various peoples he encountered and their responses to him. The reader is also introduced to the key sources, including the more important fragmentary historians, especially Ptolemy, Aristobulus and Clitarchus, with their different perspectives. The book closes by considering how Alexander's image was manipulated in antiquity itself.