Byzantines, Latins, and Turks in the Eastern Mediterranean World after 1150 is a collection of thirteen original articles which focus on the religious identity, cultural exchange, commercial networks, and the construction of political legitimacy among Christians and Muslims in the late Medieval eastern Mediterranean.

<p>Inherent in &ldquo;A Navy Flyer&rsquo;s Creed&rdquo; is the power of inspiration: &ldquo;My country built the best airplane in the world and entrusted it to me. They trained me to fly it. I will use it to the absolute limit of my power. With my fellow pilots, aircrew and deck crews, my plane and I will do anything necessary to carry out our tremendous responsibilities. When the going is fast and rough, I will not falter. I will be uncompromising in every blow I strike. I will be humble in victory. I am a United States Navy Flyer.&rdquo; In Vietnam, barely a month after the start of the Tet Offensive in 1968, one such proud United States Navy flyer applied the fundamental but sometimes forgotten maxims expressed in this creed. And he dared to risk not only his naval career, but the lives of his fellow aircrewmen in rescuing a wounded U.S. Army advisor whose time had nearly run out and whose loss of blood meant that he was only moments away from certain battlefield death. The pilot, Lieutenant Commander Allen E. &ldquo;Wes&rdquo; Weseleskey, had been assigned to the Navy&rsquo;s Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, the &ldquo;Seawolves&rdquo; at the Vinh Long Army Airfield. His controversial mission took place on March 9, 1968 on the outskirts of Sadec, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Two ARVN companies were being overwhelmed and despite coming under heavy fire, Weseleskey decided to go in and rescue as many survivors as possible. The accompanying Seawolf is forced to turn back after taking hits, but Weseleskey with the agreement of his crew persisted in the attempt, flying so low under the treeline that the VC rocket launchers were unable to reach it. On reaching base, it was observed that the overladen helicopter &quot;looked like it had been used as a battering ram.&quot; Allen Weseleskey was awarded the Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Navy Cross during his service. This is his story, from early assignments, clashes with superior officers, missions and rescues during the Tet Offensive, to homecoming. It is the story of a quintessential flyer, an American hero who was prepared to speak his mind and take risks. It also encapsulates the vital role of the Seawolves in the Vietnam War.<br></p>

In this riveting critique of the Fleet Air Arm’s policy across two world wars, former FAA Fighter Pilot Henry Adlam charts the course of its history from 1912 to 1945, logging the various milestones, mistakes and successes that characterised the service history of the Fleet Air Arm. Offering criticism on the service hierarchies that made up the Fleet, backed up by his having served in six Carriers and flown from them in all five theatres of sea warfare during five years of the Second World War, Adlam presents a highly entertaining and potentially controversial study which is sure to appeal to a wide array of aviation enthusiasts. Adlam charts the catalogue of errors that blighted the history of the Naval Air Service, which followed the disastrous decision in April 1918 to transfer the whole of the Air Service of the Royal Navy to form the new RAF. The main and over-riding criticism that the author finds with the Fleet Air Arm lies in the manner in which it was led. Adapting the oft-quoted “Lions led by Donkeys” description of the British Army, Adlam describes the activities of the Fleet Air Arm in the Second World War as the result of "Sea Eagles led by Penguins" practices, when experienced pilots were led into battle by senior members of the Navy who possessed little or no flying experience. This led to a whole host of disasters costing many lives amongst flight personnel. Adlam charts the errors that blighted the history of the Fleet Air Arm and shows how its recovery and the triumphant turnaround of its fortunes were all the more remarkable. Taking the reader on a journey from inception during First World War service, throughout all the many disasters and successes that followed between the Wars and on into the Second World War and beyond, this book offers engaging new insights and a degree of critical candour that set it apart from other Fleet Air Arm histories currently available on the market.

In this riveting critique of the Fleet Air Arm’s policy across two world wars, former FAA Fighter Pilot Henry Adlam charts the course of its history from 1912 to 1945, logging the various milestones, mistakes and successes that characterised the service history of the Fleet Air Arm. Offering criticism on the service hierarchies that made up the Fleet, backed up by his having served in six Carriers and flown from them in all five theatres of sea warfare during five years of the Second World War, Adlam presents a highly entertaining and potentially controversial study which is sure to appeal to a wide array of aviation enthusiasts. Adlam charts the catalogue of errors that blighted the history of the Naval Air Service, which followed the disastrous decision in April 1918 to transfer the whole of the Air Service of the Royal Navy to form the new RAF. The main and over-riding criticism that the author finds with the Fleet Air Arm lies in the manner in which it was led. Adapting the oft-quoted “Lions led by Donkeys” description of the British Army, Adlam describes the activities of the Fleet Air Arm in the Second World War as the result of "Sea Eagles led by Penguins" practices, when experienced pilots were led into battle by senior members of the Navy who possessed little or no flying experience. This led to a whole host of disasters costing many lives amongst flight personnel. Adlam charts the errors that blighted the history of the Fleet Air Arm and shows how its recovery and the triumphant turnaround of its fortunes were all the more remarkable. Taking the reader on a journey from inception during First World War service, throughout all the many disasters and successes that followed between the Wars and on into the Second World War and beyond, this book offers engaging new insights and a degree of critical candour that set it apart from other Fleet Air Arm histories currently available on the market.

Describes the Desert Fox's preparation for military greatness, his rise to prominence, and his early campaigns in Africa. Recounts the first battles of Germany's notorious Afrika Korps.

Considers the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds * Addresses a neglected aspect in the study of ancient warfare * Analyses views generated in different ancient cultures about the theory and practice of generalship * Brings together the latest research on generalship from a wide spectrum of academic experts Contains discussion of the theory and practice of generalship in other contemporary cultures including Persia, Arabia and China 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.

These essays survey the range of historical sources from the peoples who collided with the Byzantine Empire during this period of dramatic upheaval. They give an overview of this often difficult material, and provide detailed bibliographies. Latin, Arabic, Jewish, Slavonic, Georgian, Armenian and Syriac sources are all discussed.

The US Army in the Vietnam War 1965-73 КНИГИ ;ВОЕННАЯ ИСТОРИЯ Издательство: Osprey Publishing LtdСерия: Battle Orders 33Автор(ы): Gordon L RottmanЯзык: EnglishГод издания: 2008Количество страниц: 100ISBN: 978-184603-239-4Формат: pdf OCR OGONРазмер: 34.1 mb RAPID IFOLDER 68 1 2 3 4 5

Contents 10 List of Maps 12 Abbreviations 13 Note on Transliteration and Citation 15 Introduction 16 1. Basil’s Reign in Modern and Medieval Historical Literature 31 2. Basil II and John Skylitzes: The Historian’s Career and Working Methods 81 3. Basil II and the Testimony of John Skylitzes: Textual Analysis 135 4. Basil II and the Testimony of John Skylitzes: Contexts 186 5. The Revolts of Skleros and Phokas: Historiography and the Skleros Manifesto 255 6. Administration and Imperial Authority on the Eastern Frontier 314 7. Administration and Imperial Authority on Byzantium’s Western Frontiers 407 8. The Reign of Basil II: A Reconstruction 463 Appendix A: Coverage of Basil’s Reign in John Skylitzes’ Synopsis Historion 559 Appendix B: Translation of the Prooimion to John Skylitzes’ Synopsis Historion 563 Bibliography 566 Index 604 A 604 B 608 C 612 D 614 E 616 F 617 G 617 H 618 I 619 J 620 K 622 L 624 M 625 N 628 O 630 P 631 Q 632 R 632 S 634 T 636 U 639 V 639 W 640 Y 640 Z 640 MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict MuPDF error: syntax error: invalid key in dict Contents 10 List of Maps 12 Abbreviations 13 Note on Transliteration and Citation 15 Introduction 16 1. Basil’s Reign in Modern and Medieval Historical Literature 31 2. Basil II and John Skylitzes: The Historian’s Career and Working Methods 81 3. Basil II and the Testimony of John Skylitzes: Textual Analysis 135 4. Basil II and the Testimony of John Skylitzes: Contexts 186 5. The Revolts of Skleros and Phokas: Historiography and the Skleros Manifesto 255 6. Administration and Imperial Authority on the Eastern Frontier 314 7. Administration and Imperial Authority on Byzantium’s Western Frontiers 407 8. The Reign of Basil II: A Reconstruction 463 Appendix A: Coverage of Basil’s Reign in John Skylitzes’ Synopsis Historion 559 Appendix B: Translation of the Prooimion to John Skylitzes’ Synopsis Historion 563 Bibliography 566 Index 604 A 604 B 608 C 612 D 614 E 616 F 617 G 617 H 618 I 619 J 620 K 622 L 624 M 625 N 628 O 630 P 631 Q 632 R 632 S 634 T 636 U 639 V 639 W 640 Y 640 Z 640

This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organised and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, their training and organisation down to platoon level. Aspects of the US Army's conventional and unconventional warfare doctrine are also addressed, along with a discussion of how replacements were trained and integrated into units. Among other areas of the US Army's involvement covered are individual and crew-served weapons, artillery, armoured fighting vehicles, transport, logistics, the complex chain of command, and combat operations.

<p>The Fourth Crusade was the first and most famous of the 'diverted' crusades, that is, ones diverted from their originally intended target. It was also the first to be directed against a fellow Christian, though Orthodox, state. Initially preached (from 1198 onwards) as a campaign against Ayyubid Egypt, which was correctly seen as the most potent threat to the Latin or 'Crusader' Kingdom of Jerusalem, its first Christian target was the city of Zadar in what is now Croatia. The greater part of the crusading army then attacked the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, again as part of their obligations to Venice. The result was a siege and the first capture of that great city in 1203. This title will highlight all the intrigue, deception, and betrayal of this tumultuous Crusade.</p>

This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organised and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, their training and organisation down to platoon level. Aspects of the US Army's conventional and unconventional warfare doctrine are also addressed, along with a discussion of how replacements were trained and integrated into units. Among other areas of the US Army's involvement covered are individual and crew-served weapons, artillery, armoured fighting vehicles, transport, logistics, the complex chain of command, and combat operations.

<p>The Fourth Crusade was the first and most famous of the 'diverted' crusades, that is, ones diverted from their originally intended target. It was also the first to be directed against a fellow Christian, though Orthodox, state. Initially preached (from 1198 onwards) as a campaign against Ayyubid Egypt, which was correctly seen as the most potent threat to the Latin or 'Crusader' Kingdom of Jerusalem, its first Christian target was the city of Zadar in what is now Croatia. The greater part of the crusading army then attacked the Byzantine capital of Constantinople, again as part of their obligations to Venice. The result was a siege and the first capture of that great city in 1203. This title will highlight all the intrigue, deception, and betrayal of this tumultuous Crusade.</p>

Mark Whittow presents a clear, up-to-date reassessment of the Byzantine empire during a crucial phase in the history of the Near East. Against a geopolitical background (superbly illustrated with fourteen maps), his book covers the last decade of the Roman empire as a superpower, the catastrophic crisis of the seventh century, and the means whereby the embattled Byzantine empire hung on in Constantinople and Asia Minor until the Abbasid Caliphate's decline opened up new perspectives for Christian power in the Near East.A special feature is Whittow's coverage of Byzantium's neighbors, allies, and enemies in Europe and Asia. He stresses the geographical context of events, often overlooked in other accounts of this period. The origins of Russia, relations with the nomad powers of the steppe world, the competition between Bulgars, Romans, and Slavs in the Balkans, and the frequently ignored region of the Transcaucasus are all given extended treatment. No such wide-ranging work has appeared in English for nearly 30 years, and Whittow's book will be invaluable for all scholars, students, and enthusiasts of medieval history. Mark Whittow presents a clear, up-to-date reassessment of the Byzantine empire during a crucial phase in the history of the Near East. Against a geopolitical background (superbly illustrated with fourteen maps), his book covers the last decade of the Roman empire as a superpower, the catastrophic crisis of the seventh century, and the means whereby the embattled Byzantine empire hung on in Constantinople and Asia Minor until the Abbasid Caliphate's decline opened up new perspectives for Christian power in the Near East.A special feature is Whittow's coverage of Byzantium's neighbors, allies, and enemies in Europe and Asia. He stresses the geographical context of events, often overlooked in other accounts of this period. The origins of Russia, relations with the nomad powers of the steppe world, the competition between Bulgars, Romans, and Slavs in the Balkans, and the frequently ignored region of the Transcaucasus are all given extended treatment. No such wide-ranging work has appeared in English for nearly 30 years, and Whittow's book will be invaluable for all scholars, students, and enthusiasts of medieval history.

This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organised and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, their training and organisation down to platoon level. Aspects of the US Army's conventional and unconventional warfare doctrine are also addressed, along with a discussion of how replacements were trained and integrated into units. Among other areas of the US Army's involvement covered are individual and crew-served weapons, artillery, armoured fighting vehicles, transport, logistics, the complex chain of command, and combat operations.

In this riveting critique of the Fleet Air Arm's policy across two world wars, former FAA Fighter Pilot Henry Adlam charts the course of its history from 1912 to 1945, logging the various milestones, mistakes and successes that characterized the service history of the Fleet Air Arm. Offering criticism on the service hierarchies that made up the Fleet, backed up by his having served in six Carriers and flown from them in all five theaters of sea warfare during five years of the Second World War, Adlam presents a highly entertaining and potentially controversial study which is sure to appeal to a wide array of aviation enthusiasts. Adlam charts the catalogue of errors that blighted the history of the Naval Air Service, which followed the disastrous decision in April 1918 to transfer the whole of the Air Service of the Royal Navy to form the new RAF. The main and overriding criticism that the author finds with the Fleet Air Arm lies in the manner in which it was led. Adapting the oft-quoted "Lions led by Donkeys" description of the British Army, Adlam describes the activities of the Fleet Air Arm in the Second World War as the result of "Sea Eagles led by Penguins" practices, when experienced pilots were led into battle by senior members of the Navy who possessed little or no flying experience. This led to a whole host of disasters costing many lives amongst flight personnel. Adlam charts the errors that blighted the history of the Fleet Air Arm and shows how its recovery and the triumphant turnaround of its fortunes were all the more remarkable. Taking the reader on a journey from inception during First World War service, throughout all the many disasters and successes that followed between the Wars and on into the Second World War and beyond, this book offers engaging new insights and a degree of critical candor that set it apart from other Fleet Air Arm histories currently available on the market.

The Fall of Constantinople. The Ottoman Conquest of Byzantium КНИГИ ;ВОЕННАЯ ИСТОРИЯ Издательство: Osprey Publishing LtdСерия: HistoryАвтор(ы): D. Nicolle, J.Haldon, S. TurnbullЯзык: EnglishГод издания: 2007Количество страниц: 256ISBN: 978-1-84603-200-4Формат: pdf (241 dpi) 1200x1610Размер: 76.6 mbRapid 34

The Letters Of Psellos Is The First Detailed Study Of The Correspondence Of Michael Psellos, A Leading Byzantine Intellectual, Politician, And Writer Of The Eleventh Century. Psellos' Corpus Of Over 500 Letters Represents A Historical Source Of Great Significance For The Study Of Society And Culture Of The Time: Literary Masterpieces In And Of Themselves, Yet Often Complex And Difficult To Understand In Their Entirety, They Not Only Rebound With Subtlety And Humor, But Also Offer Invaluable Information On Myriad Subjects Ranging From The Political Culture Of Byzantium And Its Civil Administration To Social Codes, Religious Beliefs, And Popular Culture. This Volume Consists Of Two Complementary Parts Designed To Make Psellos' Letters As Widely Accessible As Possible, Both To The Specialist Academic Community And To A Wider Non-specialist Audience. The First Part Contains Five Essays Offering Detailed Historical And Literary Analyses Of A Considerable Number Of The Letters Across A Range Of Different Topics, Including The Financial Management Of Monasteries, The Friendship Of Psellos And John Mauropous, And The Challenges Posed By Psellian Irony. While The Essays Are Supplemented By Individual Appendices Containing The Translated Text Of The Pertinent Letters, The Second Part Of The Book Presents Annotated Summaries In English Of The Entirety Of Psellos' Correspondence, Compiled Over Many Years As Part Of The Prosopography Of The Byzantine World Project And Supported By Substantial Excursuses And Notes. The Result Is An Engaging And Accessible Shortcut Into These Bewildering And Fascinating Letters And An Essential Resource For The Study Of Eleventh-century Byzantine Society And Culture Through The Pen Of One Of Its Pre-eminent Figures.-- Introduction / Marc D. Lauxtermann -- Educational Networks In The Letters Of Michael Psellos / Floris Bernard -- Michael Psellos And The Monastery / Michael Jeffreys -- Constantine, Nephew Of The Patriarch Keroularios, And His Good Friend Michael Psellos / Michael Jeffreys -- The Intertwined Lives Of Michael Psellos And John Mauropous / Marc D. Lauxtermann -- Venomous Praise : Some Remarks On Michael Psellos' Letters To Leon Paraspondylos / Diether Roderich Reinsch -- Summaries Of The Letters Of Michael Psellos / Michael Jeffreys. Edited By Michael Jeffreys And Marc D. Lauxtermann. 'this Volume Consists Of Two Uneven Parts: A Number Of Papers Presented At A Workshop Dedicated To The Correpondence Of Michael Psellos, Held In Oxford On 6-7 November 2010, And The Summaries Of All The Letters Of Michael Psellos.... The Second Part Is Obviously The Most Important One Because It Offers Byzantinists A Shortcut Into The Often Bewildering, And Sometimes Incomprehensible, Letters Of Michael Psellos....-preface. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 447-458) And Index.

## Considers the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds * Addresses a neglected aspect in the study of ancient warfare * Analyses views generated in different ancient cultures about the theory and practice of generalship * Brings together the latest research on generalship from a wide spectrum of academic experts * Contains discussion of the theory and practice of generalship in other contemporary cultures including Persia, Arabia and China 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.

About the Author: Manousos E Kambouris has a background in scientific writing, contributing chapters on a wide range of disciplines to various edited volumes and journals. He has been researching Ancient Greek warfare for many years and has published numerous articles in Archeologija Prirodne Na (Archaeology and Science), Ancient Warfare, Military History, War & History, NUOVA ANTOLOGIA MILITARE, Third Eye and Hellenic Nexus. He has written three previous books on Marathon, Salamis and Xenophon's Ten Thousand. For the past 8 years he has been a historical consultant to the experimental archaeology group Koryvantes, the Association of Historical Studies. He is currently writing The Trojan War as Military History (forthcoming, Pen & Sword). His other two volumes in this trilogy are also available from Pen & Sword:The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars and The Greek Victories and the Persian Ebb 480-79 BC.This is the epic story of the Great Persian War of 481-479 BC, the major land and sea Persian invasion of Greece under Xerxes. Starting from the Persian decision to avenge the outrage caused to imperial prestige by the battle of Marathon, this book details the policy, diplomacy and religion as they intermingle with matters of strategy and tactics. It includes detailed coverage of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, immortalized in literature and film as the ultimate defiant last stand. There is similarly in-depth coverage, in terms of events, tactics, methods and intentions, afforded to the relatively unknown sea battles off Cape Artemisium, only recently dramatized for the Big Screen; a naval engagement that primed the Battle of Salamis. Special attention has been paid to the events following these two battles, leading to the bloody conquest of Athens and the implementation of vengeance by the Persian Empire, which for a brief time stood triumphant, victorious and awesome as never before, but also sowed the seeds of eventual defeat.

This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organized and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, as well as their training and organization down to platoon level.

This book provides detailed information about how US Army units were organised and operated in America's longest war. Vietnam Special Forces veteran Gordon L Rottman examines the different types of infantry battalions and the units that supported them, their training and organisation down to platoon level. Aspects of the US Army's conventional and unconventional warfare doctrine are also addressed, along with a discussion of how replacements were trained and integrated into units. Among other areas of the US Army's involvement covered are individual and crew-served weapons, artillery, armoured fighting vehicles, transport, logistics, the complex chain of command, and combat operations.

Byzantium was the last bastion of the Roman Empire following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It fought for survival for eight centuries until, in the mid-15th century, the emperor Constantine XI ruled just a handful of whittled down territories, an empire in name and tradition only. This lavishly illustrated book chronicles the history of Byzantium, the evolution of the defenses of Constantinople and the epic siege of the city, which saw a force of 80,000 men repelled by a small group of determined defenders until the Turks smashed the city's protective walls with artillery. Regarded by some as the tragic end of the Roman Empire, and by others as the belated suppression of an aging relic by an ambitious young state, the impact of the capitulation of the city resonated through the centuries and heralded the rapid rise of the Islamic Ottoman Empire.

Byzantium was the last bastion of the Roman Empire following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It fought for survival for eight centuries until, in the mid-15th century, the emperor Constantine XI ruled just a handful of whittled down territories, an empire in name and tradition only. This lavishly illustrated book chronicles the history of Byzantium, the evolution of the defenses of Constantinople and the epic siege of the city, which saw a force of 80,000 men repelled by a small group of determined defenders until the Turks smashed the city's protective walls with artillery. Regarded by some as the tragic end of the Roman Empire, and by others as the belated suppression of an aging relic by an ambitious young state, the impact of the capitulation of the city resonated through the centuries and heralded the rapid rise of the Islamic Ottoman Empire.

This book represents the first work of history dedicated to the crusade of King Conrad III of Germany (1146-49), emperor-elect of the western Roman Empire and the most powerful man yet to assume the Cross. Even so, many of the people following the king on the Second Crusade were dead before they reached Constantinople and their ranks were devastated in Anatolia. Yet he went on to join with his fellow kings, Louis VII of France and Baldwin III of Jerusalem, in an attempt to capture the city of Damascus, the most powerful Muslim stronghold in southern Syria. Their unsuccessful attack lasted just five days. The recriminations for the many privations and problems the Germans suffered and encountered in Byzantium, Anatolia and Outremer were long and loud and have echoed down the ages: German indiscipline and poor leadership, Byzantine deceit and duplicity, and the self-serving interests of a Latin Jerusalemite nobility were and still are blamed for the various failings of the expedition. Scrutinising the original source evidence to an unprecedented degree and employing a range of innovative, multi-disciplinary approaches this work challenges the traditional and more recent historiography at every turn leading to a significantly clearer and fundamentally different understanding of the expedition's complex and much maligned history.

Siege Warfare And Military Organization In The Successor States Is The First Study To Comprehensively Treat An Aspect Of Byzantine, Western, Early Islamic, Slavic And Steppe Military History Within The Framework Of Common Descent From Roman Military Organization To 800 Ad. This Not Only Encompassed The Army Proper, But Also A Greater Complex Of Client Management, Private Military Retinues, Labor Obligations And Civilian Conscription In Urban Defense That Were Systematically Developed By The Romans Around 400, And Survived To Be Adopted And Adapted By All Successors. The Result Was A Common Post-roman Military Culture Suitable For More Restrained Economic Circumstances But Still Able To Maintain, Defend And Attack City Walls With Skills Rivalling Those Of Their Roman Forebears-- Part One: Military Organization And Siege Warfare. Introduction ; An Age Of Transition: From The Fall Of The Roman West To The Early Middle Ages ; East Rome To Byzantium: Survival And Renewal Of Military Institutions ; The Successor States In The West: Ostrogoths, Visigoths, And Lombards ; The Last Legions On The Rhine: Siege Warfare In The Frankish Kingdoms ; The Anatomy Of A Siege: Tactics And Technology ; The Anatomy Of A Siege: Economy, Society And Culture ; Appropriation Of Military Infrastructure And Knowledge ; Difffusion Of The Traction Trebuchet ; Appendix One: Reconstructing The Arab Invasion Of Palestine And Syria From Contemporary Sources And The Importance Of Arab Siege Warfare ; Appendix Two: ‘iyad Ibn-ghanm’s Invasion Of Armenia In 640 And The Arab Capacity For Storming Cities Without Heavy Siege Engines ; Appendix Three: Arab Grand Strategy, 663-669: ‘abd Al-rahman Ibn Khalid’s Invasion, Saporios’ Revolt, And The Battle For Anatolia -- Part Two: Corpus Obsidionum (catalog Of Sieges). By Leif Inge Ree Petersen. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 765-788) And Indexes.

Contents 8 Preface and acknowledgements 14 Conventions of transcription, translations, references and resources 18 List of Maps 22 Part one 30 MILITARY ORGANIZATION AND SIEGE WARFARE 30 Introduction 32 0.1 Historiography 33 0.1.1 Exceptionalism, Eastern and Western 33 0.1.2 The (Even More) Exceptional Rise of Islam 37 0.2 Methodological and Theoretical Approaches 41 0.2.1 Thick and Thin Descriptions 41 0.2.2 Co-evolution and Continuity 45 0.2.3 Technological Diffusion: The Cultural and Institutional Foundations 47 0.2.4 Construction of Identity and the Diffusion of Knowledge and Technology 49 0.3 Sources and Limitations 50 0.3.1 Limitations 50 0.3.2 General Observations 52 0.3.3 Greek Sources 54 0.3.4 Syriac Sources 56 0.3.5 Arabic and Other Eastern Sources 58 0.3.6 Latin Sources 58 0.4 Structure of the Argument 60 Chapter One 65 AN AGE OF TRANSITION 65 From the Fall of the Roman West to the Early Middle Ages 65 1.1 From Late Roman to “Barbarian” Poliorcetics 65 1.1.1 Late Roman Siege Warfare 66 1.1.2 The Thin Description: Visigoths and Romans, 376-474 70 1.1.3 The Thick Description: Huns and Romans, 441-452 77 1.2 From Emergency Measures to New Institutions 80 1.2.1 The Regular Army in the 5th Century 80 1.2.2 New Ways of Recruiting Troops 84 1.2.3 The Military Following (obsequium) in East Roman Warfare 87 1.2.4 The Rise of Private Military Forces in the West 94 1.2.5 The Origins of Medieval Military Obligations: Munera Publica 98 1.3 Where Did All the Romans Go? The Military Implications of Ethnogenesis 105 1.3.1 Roman Influences beyond the Frontier 106 1.3.2 Civil Wars by Proxy and the Involution of the Frontier 109 1.3.3 The Legions on the Rhine Become Franks 115 1.3.4 The Last Roman Civil Wars in the West, 496-511 121 1.4 Conclusion: From Emergency Measures to Medieval Institutions 123 Chapter two 125 EAST ROME TO BYZANTIUM: Survival and Renewal of Military Institutions 125 2.1 Continuity and Change in East Roman Warfare and Society, 450-800 125 2.1.1 The Strategic Situation of the East Roman Empire: A Brief Overview 126 2.1.2 The East Roman Army in the 5th and 6th Centuries 128 2.1.3 The “Two Hundred Years’ Reform,” or before the Thematic System 134 2.1.4 From Late Roman client management towards a Byzantine Commonwealth 142 2.2 Organization of Siege Warfare I: The Army 146 2.2.1 Specialist Skills among the Regular Troops 146 2.2.2 Military Engineers 147 2.2.3 New Developments from the Late 6th Century 150 2.3 The Many Faces of East Roman Siege Warfare: The Example of the Anastasian War 154 2.3.1 The Background to the Anastasian War and the East around 500 155 2.3.2 Abject Surrender: *Theodosiopolis and *Martyropolis 502 156 2.3.3 Fierce but Flawed Resistance: *Amida (502-3) 157 2.3.4 Multiple Approaches: *Constantina-Tella 502-03 161 2.3.5 Complex Operations against Country and City: *Edessa 502-03 162 2.3.6 Complex Operations and the Fog of War: *Amida 503-04 164 2.4 Organization of Siege Warfare II: The Militarization of Society 166 2.4.1 The Construction of Dara, 505-06 166 2.4.2 Civilian Cooperation in the 6th Century 170 2.4.3 Use of Civilians in the 7th and 8th Centuries 174 2.5 Conclusion 178 Chapter three 180 The Successor States in the West: Ostrogoths, Visigoths, and Lombards 180 3.1 The Ostrogoths, 493-554 180 3.1.1 Ostrogothic Ethnogenesis 181 3.1.2 Strategic Situation 183 3.1.3 Military Organization 184 3.1.4 Logistics: Adminstration, Labor and Supplies 188 3.1.5 Ostrogothic Siege Warfare 193 3.2 The Visigoths in Spain, 508-711 195 3.2.1 Strategic Situation of the Visigothic Kingdom of Toledo 196 3.2.2 Visigothic Military Organization 197 3.2.3 Visigothic Siege Warfare 204 3.3 The Lombards 207 3.3.1 Ethnogenesis on the Middle Danube 207 3.3.2 The Lombards in Italy 210 3.3.3 Lombard Military Organization 214 3.3.4 Lombard Siege Warfare 219 3.4 Conclusion: From Clients to Kingdoms 221 Chapter four 223 The Last Legions on the Rhine: Siege Warfare in the Frankish Kingdoms 223 4.1 Frankish Warfare and Military Organization in the 6th Century 223 4.1.1 The Problem of Gregory of Tours 224 4.1.2 The Establishment of Frankish Burgundy and Wars with the Visigoths, 534-89 227 4.1.3 Austrasian Interventions in Italy, 538-90 231 4.1.4 Frankish Civil Wars 237 4.1.5 Military Organization and Siege Logistics in the 6th Century 242 4.2 The 7th Century: Ascendancy of Military Followings and Proprietal Warfare 255 4.2.1 Fredegar, the Liber Historiae Francorum, and the United Frankish Kingdom 255 4.2.2 Bishops, Magnates and Monasteries 260 4.2.3 Late Merovingian Siege Warfare 263 4.3 The Carolingian Ascendancy in the 8th Century 265 4.3.1 The Debate Revisited 266 4.3.2 Size, Composition, and Distribution of Carolingian Military Forces 269 4.3.3 Objectives and Means: Charles Martel and Pippin the Short 276 4.3.4 Organization and Supplies: Charlemagne and Louis 281 4.4 Conclusion 285 Chapter five 287 The Anatomy of a Siege: Tactics and Technology 287 5.1 Siege Strategy and Tactics: Basic Definitions 287 5.1.1 The Blockade 290 5.1.2 The Storm 295 5.2 Siege Tactics 298 5.2.1 The Basic Approach: Archery and Ladders 299 5.2.2 Artillery 303 5.2.3 Siegeworks: Camps and Encircling Fortifications 309 5.2.4 Siegeworks: Firing Platforms—Mounds and Towers 312 5.2.5 Wallbreaking: Machines 314 5.2.6 Wallbreaking: Engineering 317 5.3 Defensive Responses 320 5.3.1 Technological Responses 320 5.3.2 Sorties 321 5.3.3 Relieving Armies 324 5.4 Conclusion: Towards a Thick Description of Sieges 326 Chapter six 330 The Anatomy of a Siege: Economy, Society and Culture 330 6.1 The Topographies of a Siege 330 6.1.1 Defensive Topography: Infrastructure and Fortifications 331 6.1.2 The Topography of Settlement: City and Country in the “Dark Ages” 338 6.1.3 Cultural Topographies: Morale and Ritual under Siege Conditions 347 6.2 The Urban Community at War 357 6.2.1 The Politics of a Siege: Loyalty and Dissension 358 6.2.2 Societies at War: Garrisons and Civilians 367 6.2.3 Specialists at War 374 6.3 Ending the Siege 378 6.3.1 Consequences of Survival 379 6.3.2 Consequences of Fall 381 6.4 Conclusion: Deconstructing, or Reconstructing, Thin Sources 388 Chapter seven 391 Appropriation of Military Infrastructure and Knowledge 391 7.1 The Hunnic, Persian and Visigothic Templates 392 7.1.1 Client Integration and State Formation: The Visigoths 392 7.1.2 Inter-state Transfers: The Sassanids 394 7.1.3 Conquest Appropriation: The Huns under Attila 396 7.2 The Balkans, 530-825: From Client Assimilation to Conquest Appropriation and Back 400 7.2.1 Huns as Clients: Utigurs, Kotrigurs, Sabirs and Bulgars in the 6th Century 400 7.2.2 Slavs and Appropriation 402 7.2.3 Avars and Appropriation 409 7.2.4 The Bulgars, 680-825 414 7.2.5 On Northwestern Peripheries: Western Slavs, Saxons and Danes 418 7.3 The Arabs and Islam: Appropriating and Domesticating the Late Antique System 420 7.3.1 Background and Early Events 421 7.3.2 The Sources of Expertise 423 7.4 Conclusion: From Appropriation to Domestication 436 Chapter eight 437 Diffusion of the Traction Trebuchet 437 8.1 State of the Question: Historiography and Technical Aspects 437 8.1.1 Historiography of the Traction Trebuchet 437 8.1.2 Technical Aspects of the Traction Trebuchet 440 8.2 The Philological Evidence 441 8.2.1 Generic, Classicizing and Uncertain Terms 442 8.2.2 Manganon and Its Derivatives 444 8.2.3 Descriptive and Functional Terms 448 8.3 The Diffusion of the Traction Trebuchet: The Historical Context 450 8.3.1 The Early Introduction of the Traction Trebuchet: Diffusion or Independent Invention? 450 8.3.2 The Wider Diffusion of the Traction Trebuchet within the Former Roman World 453 8.4 Epilogue 456 Appendix one 461 Reconstructing the Arab invasion of Palestine and Syria from contemporary sources and the importance of Arab siege warfare 461 Appendix Two 465 ‘Iyad ibn-Ghanm’s invasion of Armenia in 640 and the Arab capacity for storming cities without heavy siege engines. 465 Appendix Three 470 Arab grand strategy, 663-669: ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn Khalid’s invasion, Saporios’ revolt, and the battle for Anatolia 470 Part two 486 corpus obsidionum 486 Conventions adopted 488 The 5th Century 491 The 6th Century 515 The 7th Century 644 The 8th Century 724 The Early 9th Century 785 Bibliography 796 Abbreviations of Series, Reference and Collective Works 796 Sources 799 Secondary literature 803 Index Obsidionum 820 General Index 842

This Osprey Title Details The Epic Four-month Siege Of The City Of Constantinople In 1453, Last Vestige Of The Once Mighty Roman And Byzantine Empires. Mehmet 'the Conqueror' Led An Army Of 80,000 Men With A Massive Siege Train Against The City. Defending Were A Mere 10,000 Men Under The Emperor Constantine Xi. The Turkish Artillery Battered The Ancient City Walls Mercilessly, Levelling A Large Section. A Gallant Defence Held Off The Massive Turkish Assault For Several Hours. Refusing Appeals To Flee, Constantine Returned To The Breaches And Fought Until Overwhelmed And Killed. Thus Died The Last Emperor Of The Byzantines, And With Him His Once Glorious Empire. Origins Of The Campaign -- Opposing Commanders -- The Opposing Armies -- The Opposing Plans -- The Campaign -- Aftermath And Reckoning -- The Battlefield Today -- Chronology Written By David Nicolle ; Battlescene Plates By Christa Hook. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 94) And Index.

This Osprey Title Details The Epic Four-month Siege Of The City Of Constantinople In 1453, Last Vestige Of The Once Mighty Roman And Byzantine Empires. Mehmet 'the Conqueror' Led An Army Of 80,000 Men With A Massive Siege Train Against The City. Defending Were A Mere 10,000 Men Under The Emperor Constantine Xi. The Turkish Artillery Battered The Ancient City Walls Mercilessly, Levelling A Large Section. A Gallant Defence Held Off The Massive Turkish Assault For Several Hours. Refusing Appeals To Flee, Constantine Returned To The Breaches And Fought Until Overwhelmed And Killed. Thus Died The Last Emperor Of The Byzantines, And With Him His Once Glorious Empire. Origins Of The Campaign -- Opposing Commanders -- The Opposing Armies -- The Opposing Plans -- The Campaign -- Aftermath And Reckoning -- The Battlefield Today -- Chronology Written By David Nicolle ; Battlescene Plates By Christa Hook. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 94) And Index.

On 26 August 1071 a large Byzantine army under Emperor Romanus IV met the Saljuq Turk forces of Sultan Alp Arslan near the town of Manzikert to the far east of the Byzantine Empire. The battle ended in a decisive defeat for the Byzantine forces, with the wings of the army routing following withering Turkish arrow fire, and the centre overwhelmed, with the Byzantine emperor captured and much of his fabled Varangian guard killed. This battle is justifiably regarded as a turning point in Middle Eastern, European and to some extent even world history. It is seen as the primary trigger of the Crusades, and as the moment when the power of the East Roman or Byzantine Empire was irreparably broken. The Saljuq victory opened up Anatolia to Turkish-Islamic conquest, which was eventually followed by the establishment of the Ottoman state which went on the conquer south-eastern and much of central Europe, the entire Middle East and most of North Africa. Nevertheless the battle itself was the culmination of a Christian Byzantine offensive, intended to strengthen the eastern frontiers of the empire and re-establish Byzantine domination over Armenia and northern Mesopotamia. Turkish Saljuq victory was in no sense inevitable and might, in fact, have come as something of a surprise to those who achieved it - at least in proving to be so complete. It was not only the battle of Manzikert that had such profound and far-reaching consequences, many of these stemmed from the debilitating Byzantine civil war which followed and was a direct consequence of the defeat.

The medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history when it came to non-gunpowder machine development. During this period, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations; Graeco-Roman World, Persia, India, and China, were primarily responsible for this evolution – the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World EmpireвЂTM. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines that used assorted power sources from torsion ‘energy storageвЂTM systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets et al.

This Osprey Title Details The Epic Four-month Siege Of The City Of Constantinople In 1453, Last Vestige Of The Once Mighty Roman And Byzantine Empires. Mehmet 'the Conqueror' Led An Army Of 80,000 Men With A Massive Siege Train Against The City. Defending Were A Mere 10,000 Men Under The Emperor Constantine Xi. The Turkish Artillery Battered The Ancient City Walls Mercilessly, Levelling A Large Section. A Gallant Defence Held Off The Massive Turkish Assault For Several Hours. Refusing Appeals To Flee, Constantine Returned To The Breaches And Fought Until Overwhelmed And Killed. Thus Died The Last Emperor Of The Byzantines, And With Him His Once Glorious Empire. Origins Of The Campaign -- Opposing Commanders -- The Opposing Armies -- The Opposing Plans -- The Campaign -- Aftermath And Reckoning -- The Battlefield Today -- Chronology Written By David Nicolle ; Battlescene Plates By Christa Hook. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 94) And Index.

<p>No other army in World War II marched so far or fought for so long. In the desperate days between June 1940 and October 1942 (when American forces arrived on the scene) Eighth Army, considered by many to be the most remarkable fighting force of World War II, was the only Western army left to face the growing Axis powers. They were a British force, comprised of some of the greatest fighting divisions from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Canada, France, and Greece, among others, and they represented, essentially, the Free World at war. Ultimately triumphant, the men of Eighth Army first had to surmount obsolete equipment and indifferent command, as well as the enemy -- not least among them the formidable and legendary Field Marshal Erwin Rommel of the German Afrika Korps. In Eighth Army acclaimed historian Robin Neillands masterfully relates the defeats and successes of these remarkable men. Using first-hand source material -- including personal accounts and interviews with veterans of Eighth Army -- Neillands digs deep into the details of the strategies, conflicts, controversies, and politically motivated decisions that plagued, stymied, and galvanized this fighting force. He captures the essence of what made this group of men so unique -- their humor, comradeship, courage, and, above all, their willingness to go on. The riveting narrative re-creates, in gripping detail, the battles fought at Sidi Rezegh, Alamein, Sicily, and Cassino. Eighth Army reverberates with the unstoppable spirit of the men whose strength and heart carried them on a 3,000 mile march to victory.</p> <h3>The Washington Post - Alan L. Gropman</h3> <p>Gen. Bernard Law Montgomery was the Eighth's commander when it defeated Rommel, and he stayed with it through Sicily and into southern Italy. When Montgomery left the Eighth in late 1943 to take command of the ground forces for Operation Overlord, the press gave the Eighth much less coverage. Its record in Italy was just as valorous, persistent and worthy, but most histories of World War II give the Eighth's Italian campaigns relatively short shrift. Reading Robin Neilland's engaging book will fill in the gaps. </p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

A Highly Illustrated Study Of The Last Great Campaign In The Pacific Theater Of World War Ii: The Us Navy's And Royal Navy's Air, Surface, And Submarine Attacks On The Japanese Home Islands. The Final Months Of Allied Naval Bombardments On The Home Islands During World War Ii Have, For Whatever Reason, Frequently Been Overlooked By Historians. Yet The Allies' Final Naval Campaign Against Japan Involved The Largest And Arguably Most Successful Wartime Naval Fleet Ever Assembled, And Was The Climax To The Greatest Naval War In History. Though Suffering Grievous Losses During Its Early Attacks, By July 1945 The United States Third Fleet Wielded 1,400 Aircraft Just Off The Coast Of Japan, While Task Force 37, The British Pacific Fleet's Carrier And Battleship Striking Force, Was The Most Powerful Single Formation Ever Assembled By The Royal Navy. In The Final Months Of The War The Third Fleet's 20 American And British Aircraft Carriers Would Hurl Over 10,000 Aerial Sorties Against The Home Islands, Whilst Another Ten Allied Battleships Would Inflict Numerous Morale-destroying Shellings On Japanese Coastal Cities. In This Illustrated Study, Historian Brian Lane Herder Draws On Primary Sources And Expert Analysis To Chronicle The Full Story Of The Allies' Navy Siege Of Japan From February 1945 To The Very Last Days Of World War Ii.

Cover 1 Title 4 Copyright 5 Contents 6 Preface 7 Abbreviations 10 1 Understanding monotheism as a cultural institution 14 2 The prophetic paradigm 40 3 Yahweh, the god of monarchy 62 4 The emergence of monotheism 80 5 The Maccabean Revolt 100 6 Sectarianism and political strife in response to imperial rule 120 7 The punishment of Palestine 143 8 Heresy, Trinity, and political strife in three parts 175 9 Persecution or the end of it? 204 10 Chalcedon and orthodoxy 231 Bibliography 241 Index 250

The book is a clear, up-to-date, reassessment of the Byzantine empire during a crucial phase in the history of the Near East. Against a geopolitical background (well-illustrated with 14 maps), it covers the last decade of the Roman empire as a superpower of the ancient world, the catastrophic crisis of the seventh century and the means whereby its embattled Byzantine successor hung on in Constantinople and Asia Minor until the Abbasid Caliphate's decline opened up new perspectives for Christian power in the Near East. Not confined to any narrow definition of Byzantine history, the empire's neighbours, allies and enemies in Europe and Asia also receive extensive treatment.

Considers the ideals and realities of generalship across the Greek, Roman and Byzantine worlds * Addresses a neglected aspect in the study of ancient warfare * Analyses views generated in different ancient cultures about the theory and practice of generalship * Brings together the latest research on generalship from a wide spectrum of academic experts Contains discussion of the theory and practice of generalship in other contemporary cultures including Persia, Arabia and China 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.

About the Author: Manousos E Kambouris has a background in scientific writing, contributing chapters on a wide range of disciplines to various edited volumes and journals. He has been researching Ancient Greek warfare for many years and has published numerous articles in Archeologija Prirodne Na (Archaeology and Science), Ancient Warfare, Military History, War & History, NUOVA ANTOLOGIA MILITARE, Third Eye and Hellenic Nexus. He has written three previous books on Marathon, Salamis and Xenophon's Ten Thousand. For the past 8 years he has been a historical consultant to the experimental archaeology group Koryvantes, the Association of Historical Studies. He is currently writing The Trojan War as Military History (forthcoming, Pen & Sword). His other two volumes in this trilogy are also available from Pen & Sword:The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars and The Greek Victories and the Persian Ebb 480-79 BC.This is the epic story of the Great Persian War of 481-479 BC, the major land and sea Persian invasion of Greece under Xerxes. Starting from the Persian decision to avenge the outrage caused to imperial prestige by the battle of Marathon, this book details the policy, diplomacy and religion as they intermingle with matters of strategy and tactics. It includes detailed coverage of the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, immortalized in literature and film as the ultimate defiant last stand. There is similarly in-depth coverage, in terms of events, tactics, methods and intentions, afforded to the relatively unknown sea battles off Cape Artemisium, only recently dramatized for the Big Screen; a naval engagement that primed the Battle of Salamis. Special attention has been paid to the events following these two battles, leading to the bloody conquest of Athens and the implementation of vengeance by the Persian Empire, which for a brief time stood triumphant, victorious and awesome as never before, but also sowed the seeds of eventual defeat.

Efficient, swift, and dependable intelligence services were essential to the growth and well-being of every major empire in recorded history. Tactics and devices of amazing subtlety were employed even by the early civilizations of the ancient Near East. These services led to the establishment of thousands of miles of road networks with fortified way stations, and post systems complete with draft mules, relay riders on horseback, and carriages used as stage coaches.

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>

<p>The Japanese offensive in the Far East in 1941-2 was extraordinary in its ambition for their aim was to advance across the entire region. They clashed with an array of forces in a series of lightning campaigns that included famous episodes like the raid on Pearl Harbor and the conquest of Singapore. Among the opposing armies were those of the Americans, Dutch and Filipinos as well as the British imperial forces which included the Indians, Malays and Burmese. Philip Jowett in this vivid photographic history covers the whole course of the offensive, portraying not only the Japanese military which achieved such incredible success but the armies they overwhelmed. In a sequence of over 200 wartime photographs &ndash; many of which have not been published before &ndash; he focuses on the land, sea and air fighting as the Japanese occupied so much of the region. Rare images of the Japanese forces as they prepared for war and then made seemingly unstoppable progress are matched by a selection of images of the armies they surprised and vanquished. The book gives a powerful impression of the character of the war in the area and records the appearance, equipment and weaponry of the armies involved and the conditions in which they fought. The book is a particularly valuable addition to the literature on the Second World War in the Far East because it draws attention to important events, like the conquest of the Dutch East Indies, which are often overlooked.<br></p>

<p>When it came to non-gunpowder machine development, the medieval period was one of the most inventive in military history. During this era, the pre-existing military-technological traditions from the ancient worlds were brought together. Three civilisations were primarily responsible for this evolution: the Late-Roman or Byzantine Empire, the Islamic World, and latterly the Mongol ‘World Empire’. This book examines the resulting stone-throwing machines from torsion ‘energy storage’ systems, to manpowered and counterbalance sling devices, rockets and others.</p>