Gabriel examines 18 ancient army systems, examining the organizational structure and weapons employed and the degree to which cultural values and imperatives shaped the form and application of military force. The tactical doctrines and specific operational capabilities of each army are analyzed to explain how certain technical limitations and societal/cultural imperatives affected the operational capabilities of ancient armies. Cross-cultural and cross-historical connections ground the analysis in the larger historical context of the ancient world.
โขSumer and Akkad
โขThe Armies of the Pharaohs
โขThe Hittites
โขThe Mitanni
โขArmies of the Bible
โขThe Iron Army of Assyria
โขChinese Armies
โขPersia and the Art of Logistics
โขThe Greeks
โขCarthaginian Armies
โขArmies of India
โขRome
โขThe Iberians, Celts, Germans, and Goths
โขThe Army of Byzantium
โขThe Vikings
โขThe Arab Armies
โขThe Japanese Way of War
โขThe Mongols
โขThe Ottomans
This book also provides an introductory overview of war in the ancient world, from 2500 B.C.E. to 1453 C.E., as well as an examination of the evolution of modern warfare from 1453 to 2002 C.E.