For a while now I've been thinking about the themes for 2009. Some seem obvious. There's doubtless going to be a plethora of books and articles about the Teutoburg forest, but I'm confident that our angles and take will be deeper and more original than what's usually served up.
The Clades Variana will have to be a theme then and I have pretty much made up my mind that the first issue of the new year will be on Mercenaries, which should provide discussion materials from the earliest times to the Late Roman Empire. But what about the other four issues?
For a while I've been jotting down ideas for themes on the whiteboard on the wall across from my desk. There are so many interesting possibilities.
Here's the list of what I have so far:
- A late Roman Republican campaign, e.g. against Jugurtha, Mithridates
- Machinery of War: siege equipment, the larger warships, technology and innovation
- The Wars of the Successors. A headache in waiting in regards to illustrations, but very interesting for sure
- Tactics, standards and military music
- The Parthian Wars (or one of the)
- Warfare in ancient Egypt: Pharaos, Ptolemies and Roman Egypt: lots and lots of possibilities
- Military leadership: generals & kings!
- Hero-soldier. Not just stories of heroics, but also decorations, myths, mirroring and displaying of 'Heroic' behavior
- Siege warfare
I'm open to suggestions for more: go ahead and put them in the comments. And if you have any favorites, I'd like to hear about that as well.
Perhaps I'll select a few of the above and put those themes up for the vote. Which ones are selected will have to be up to me (there some constraints of course, for example. I have to be able to find authors and, often more difficult, illustration materials), but I see no problem with one or two themes based on reader favorites.
2Trackback(0)
TrackBack URI for this entry
Comments (29)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Favourite subjects
written by calin0603@aol.com, May 29, 2008
written by calin0603@aol.com, May 29, 2008
Warfare in ancient Egypt: Pharaos, Ptolemies and Roman Egypt: lots and lots of possibilities
-
- -1
-
-
...
written by Jona L., May 29, 2008
written by Jona L., May 29, 2008
(1)
"Revisions" (battles that are presented as A by our ancient sources, but turn out to have been very different; e.g., Cunaxa)
(2)
War in Judaea (Masada excluded)
(3)
I think that AW must have a special on the Teutoburg Forest massacre, if only to stress that it was not that battle, but the Claudian reforms that were decisive.
"Revisions" (battles that are presented as A by our ancient sources, but turn out to have been very different; e.g., Cunaxa)
(2)
War in Judaea (Masada excluded)
(3)
I think that AW must have a special on the Teutoburg Forest massacre, if only to stress that it was not that battle, but the Claudian reforms that were decisive.
-
- +10
-
-
Important subjects in Ancient Warfare
written by Antoninus Pius, May 30, 2008
written by Antoninus Pius, May 30, 2008
Roman frontiers. All of them! 
-
- +4
-
-
Suggestion for subjects
written by C.W. Oorthuys, May 30, 2008
written by C.W. Oorthuys, May 30, 2008
Dear Editor,
I'm very happy with all the mentioned subjects. I'd like to elaborate on some of them:
machinery of war and siege warfare; both subjects give opportunities to explain 'how they did it'. How did they manage to build stone walls in circumvallation? What kind of equipment was available (you gave an article on the groma, but what of tackles etc.?) What was the greatest weight Romans could lift? How much time did it take? How many men?
How did they transport the huge amounts of wheat, oil etc. they needed daily for the army, both on the move and besieging a place? How many oxcarts do you need for feeding a legion?
And, while speaking of machinery of war, one is also speaking of roadmaking (the quicker you get somewhere, the better!). So one arrives on bridges, tunnels, etc.
How keen were the Romans on the quality of drinking water? You don't want to have half of your army dying of typhoid fever, cholera etc. Although they didn't know the connection, they must have had an idea about pure water. Are there any known techniques of purifying?
Excuse my English; it's a bit rusty.
With kind regards,
C.W. Oorthuys
I'm very happy with all the mentioned subjects. I'd like to elaborate on some of them:
machinery of war and siege warfare; both subjects give opportunities to explain 'how they did it'. How did they manage to build stone walls in circumvallation? What kind of equipment was available (you gave an article on the groma, but what of tackles etc.?) What was the greatest weight Romans could lift? How much time did it take? How many men?
How did they transport the huge amounts of wheat, oil etc. they needed daily for the army, both on the move and besieging a place? How many oxcarts do you need for feeding a legion?
And, while speaking of machinery of war, one is also speaking of roadmaking (the quicker you get somewhere, the better!). So one arrives on bridges, tunnels, etc.
How keen were the Romans on the quality of drinking water? You don't want to have half of your army dying of typhoid fever, cholera etc. Although they didn't know the connection, they must have had an idea about pure water. Are there any known techniques of purifying?
Excuse my English; it's a bit rusty.
With kind regards,
C.W. Oorthuys
-
- +0
-
-
Lots of good ideas
written by Marcus Pailing, May 30, 2008
written by Marcus Pailing, May 30, 2008
My biggest interest would be in:
- "Wars of the Successors".
- "Parthian Wars".
But I have to say that most of your suggestions are good.
I also like Jona's idea of "revisions" - battles that turned out not quite as the original sources suggest they did.
- "Wars of the Successors".
- "Parthian Wars".
But I have to say that most of your suggestions are good.
I also like Jona's idea of "revisions" - battles that turned out not quite as the original sources suggest they did.
-
- +5
-
-
Suggestions
written by Ruben, May 30, 2008
written by Ruben, May 30, 2008
Well, I have to say I'm a bit biased on this matter, but my vote would go to "Wars of the Successors" and "Warfare in Ancient Egypt." I think in the case of the latter it is especially interesting to trace the military history of a distinct cultural region through the centuries and through various changes and foreign influences- Babylonia from the Babylonians through to the Parthians or Sassanids would be equally interesting.
As for a new suggestion, I would like to put forth the idea of an issue devoted to "Warfare on the Steppes." It might be a bit more of an obscure subject, but topics ranging from the warriors of the Cimmerians to the Royal Scythians to the Sarmatians to the Saka would be of a lot of interest to readers, especially as a look away from the Graeco-Roman world. It could feature articles on the different troop types (cataphracts and horse archers), their evolution, and what made them distinct and important; on famous battles or campaigns involving steppe nomads; the cultural influences that the peoples of the steppe had on the militaries they came into contact with; and so on.
As for a new suggestion, I would like to put forth the idea of an issue devoted to "Warfare on the Steppes." It might be a bit more of an obscure subject, but topics ranging from the warriors of the Cimmerians to the Royal Scythians to the Sarmatians to the Saka would be of a lot of interest to readers, especially as a look away from the Graeco-Roman world. It could feature articles on the different troop types (cataphracts and horse archers), their evolution, and what made them distinct and important; on famous battles or campaigns involving steppe nomads; the cultural influences that the peoples of the steppe had on the militaries they came into contact with; and so on.
-
- +6
-
-
Byzantium Arms and Campaigns
written by mulvaneyjohn@gmail.com, May 30, 2008
written by mulvaneyjohn@gmail.com, May 30, 2008
I'm not sure if Byzantium would be considered 'ancient' enough but I would love to know more on the evolution of the Byzantium military after the fall of the western empire.
-
- +6
-
-
elephants
written by René Vonk, May 30, 2008
written by René Vonk, May 30, 2008
I would like to see an issue about animals used in warfare. In particular elephants. This has always intrigued me.
From the themes that have already taken form I would like to see the wars of succesors.
From the themes that have already taken form I would like to see the wars of succesors.
-
- +5
-
-
Phalangites / Pezhetairoi
written by Michael D. Hafer, May 31, 2008
written by Michael D. Hafer, May 31, 2008
We've seen an excellent article and illustrations about the Argyraspides (Macedonian Silver Shields) - my favorite type of ancient soldier. But I'd like to see some articles and illustrations about the development of the phalangite/pezhetairoi. The theme could be something like "From Chaeronea to The Successors - development of the Phalangite" or something like that. Talk about the equipment changes (the sarissa keeps getting longer and longer). Their battles. Their role on the battlefield. Etc.
Thanks a bunch.
Thanks a bunch.
-
- +4
-
-
...
written by Magnus, May 31, 2008
written by Magnus, May 31, 2008
How about some articles regarding reenactment or replica pieces of gear? I find all the academic themed articles a bit stuffy.
-
- -2
-
-
...
written by Joe, May 31, 2008
written by Joe, May 31, 2008
I would like to see the articles on Alexander's Successors. Many great battles and power struggles.
-
- +3
-
-
...
written by murraydahm@gmail.com, May 31, 2008
written by murraydahm@gmail.com, May 31, 2008
I too am biased 
, possibly something on the impact of the roman military (and/or the Greek for that matter) on local conquered populations - architecture, culture, language etc.
Possibly something specifically on the representations in Greek and Roman art of military subjects - the hoplite, the peltast, chariot warfare, debates about equipment as represented (or this could be an actual debate - visual versus literary depictions). All the issues that arise from them - was the artist/author a 'military man', can we rely on the image; what problems do these issues raise for our understanding etc.
Something on each of the frontier systems (as we understand them) - either one across time or several at the same time (Hadrian being an obvious possibility).
Oh so many, very exciting to be thinking about what we may be reading in a year or more's time!
Cheers
Murray
, possibly something on the impact of the roman military (and/or the Greek for that matter) on local conquered populations - architecture, culture, language etc. Possibly something specifically on the representations in Greek and Roman art of military subjects - the hoplite, the peltast, chariot warfare, debates about equipment as represented (or this could be an actual debate - visual versus literary depictions). All the issues that arise from them - was the artist/author a 'military man', can we rely on the image; what problems do these issues raise for our understanding etc.
Something on each of the frontier systems (as we understand them) - either one across time or several at the same time (Hadrian being an obvious possibility).
Oh so many, very exciting to be thinking about what we may be reading in a year or more's time!
Cheers
Murray
-
- +2
-
-
Suggestions
written by Paullys Scipio, May 31, 2008
written by Paullys Scipio, May 31, 2008
I would like to support the suggestion of "Wars of the Successors/Hellenistic Warfare" - and "The wars of the Romans in Italy and Punic Wars" that happened simultaneously.
I would also like to add my support for a couple of other topics - C.W. Oorthuys suggestions could broadly be covered by "Ancient engineering and technology" as a theme, and Ruben's suggestions of the "Steppe nomads and their influence on the Graeco-Roman Mediterranean World"....this could encompass a lot, from the inflence of the Scythians in our earliest written histories ( Herodotus), their wars with the Persians and Greeks/Macedonia(around the Black sea), the steady Westward migrations, the rise of the Parthians, Sarmatians and the Roman Empire, through to Alans and Huns in Late Roman times.....a vast subject for a theme!
I would also like to add my support for a couple of other topics - C.W. Oorthuys suggestions could broadly be covered by "Ancient engineering and technology" as a theme, and Ruben's suggestions of the "Steppe nomads and their influence on the Graeco-Roman Mediterranean World"....this could encompass a lot, from the inflence of the Scythians in our earliest written histories ( Herodotus), their wars with the Persians and Greeks/Macedonia(around the Black sea), the steady Westward migrations, the rise of the Parthians, Sarmatians and the Roman Empire, through to Alans and Huns in Late Roman times.....a vast subject for a theme!
-
- +0
-
-
...
written by Marcvs, May 31, 2008
written by Marcvs, May 31, 2008
I would like to read an article about the Theban/Boeotian army of Pelopidas and Epaminodas. Maybe with a nice illustration of a hoplite of the Sacred Band....
Further i suggest an article about Alexander's elite soldiers: the hypastist, agrianians and cretans
kind regards
Further i suggest an article about Alexander's elite soldiers: the hypastist, agrianians and cretans
kind regards
-
- +2
-
-
...
written by Gäiten, June 02, 2008
written by Gäiten, June 02, 2008
Well of your suggested themes are very interesting, but I propose the following:
I would like to see (maybe a serie) about the epical, but mostly ignored, fight between Rome and the Sassanian Persians.
Beginning with the Roman 3rd century crisis (Ardashir and Shapur I.) till the devastating conflict between Heraclius and Khosrow II. in the 7th century.
And somewhat about Ancient Warfare in the Far East (Central Asia, India, China).
Best regards
I would like to see (maybe a serie) about the epical, but mostly ignored, fight between Rome and the Sassanian Persians.
Beginning with the Roman 3rd century crisis (Ardashir and Shapur I.) till the devastating conflict between Heraclius and Khosrow II. in the 7th century.
And somewhat about Ancient Warfare in the Far East (Central Asia, India, China).
Best regards
-
- +7
-
-
Suggestions
written by Medusa, June 03, 2008
written by Medusa, June 03, 2008
As I had suggested already by e-mail to the editor here are my suggestions:
Gladiators as Soldiers
Romans in North Germany
The History of the Gladius (Origins, Development etc.)
The History of the Pilum (Origins, Development etc.)
Gladiators as Soldiers
Romans in North Germany
The History of the Gladius (Origins, Development etc.)
The History of the Pilum (Origins, Development etc.)
-
- +4
-
-
Forgot one!
written by JaspertheManager, June 03, 2008
written by JaspertheManager, June 03, 2008
How about 'Animals at War: Elephants, dogs & horses'?
-
- +6
-
-
Wars of the Successors
written by Chris Cameron, June 04, 2008
written by Chris Cameron, June 04, 2008
My vote would be for the Diadochi. I'd hope to get a contribution in as well!
I'd like the Heroes idea as well.
I'd like the Heroes idea as well.
-
- +1
-
-
Mechanisms & other stuff
written by caiustarquitius, June 04, 2008
written by caiustarquitius, June 04, 2008
1. Mechanisms of war: What were the reasons for waging war in Antiquity? How did they differ from culture to culture and time to time? "Just war". War and religion / cult. etc.
2. I very much like the idea of an issue about the Parthian wars.
3. The "dark" 3rd century: Civil wars!
4. Early Rome and the early and middle Republic.
5. War at sea
6. Fortifications & Siege: Greece / Rome
7. The 1st Punic War
8. The 2nd Punic War
9. The 3rd Punic War
10. The Peloponnesian War
11. Alexanders Army: A Competitive World
12. "War Crimes", Genocide and Atrocities in Ancient Warfare
2. I very much like the idea of an issue about the Parthian wars.
3. The "dark" 3rd century: Civil wars!
4. Early Rome and the early and middle Republic.
5. War at sea
6. Fortifications & Siege: Greece / Rome
7. The 1st Punic War
8. The 2nd Punic War
9. The 3rd Punic War
10. The Peloponnesian War
11. Alexanders Army: A Competitive World
12. "War Crimes", Genocide and Atrocities in Ancient Warfare
-
- +2
-
-
Cyrus the Great
written by Jason Adams, June 05, 2008
written by Jason Adams, June 05, 2008
I would like to see coverage of Cyrus the Great and his campaigns, after all he was one of the greatest generals of the ancient era, if not all time. I would like to learn more about the man whom Alexander the Great admired and who founded the first politically stable world empire.
-
- -1
-
-
Jugurtha and "barbarians"
written by Andrew, June 06, 2008
written by Andrew, June 06, 2008
I'd be interested in an article about army animals too! Baggage animals, guard dogs, animals as food, sacrifices, omens, hunting, etc.
Jugurtha and the Numidians is a very interesting subject. In general, I'd really like read more about the "barbarian' warriors: gauls, germans, british celts, etc.
Jugurtha and the Numidians is a very interesting subject. In general, I'd really like read more about the "barbarian' warriors: gauls, germans, british celts, etc.
-
- +2
-
-
...
written by andrew@redrampant.com, June 07, 2008
written by andrew@redrampant.com, June 07, 2008
I'd also love to see a piece about animals and the military: using baggage animals, guard dogs, acquisition, different mounted troops (horse, camel, elephant), animals as omens, sacrifices, food, hunting, animal iconography in military equipment, flaming pigs, etc.
Echoing Murray's request, an issue about frontiers and territory could be interesting: competition for land sparked conflicts, terrain types affected warfare, how client kingdoms were used as buffer zones, defending and monitoring the border, etc.
Echoing Murray's request, an issue about frontiers and territory could be interesting: competition for land sparked conflicts, terrain types affected warfare, how client kingdoms were used as buffer zones, defending and monitoring the border, etc.
-
- +2
-
-
Early roman warfare
written by stamos, June 07, 2008
written by stamos, June 07, 2008
My biggest interest would be in:
Evolusion of roma army from 750bc to 100bc
a)weapons
b)fighting technics
c)training
e)camp building
and early roman warfare(latin,samnites wars,etruscan wars etc)
Evolusion of roma army from 750bc to 100bc
a)weapons
b)fighting technics
c)training
e)camp building
and early roman warfare(latin,samnites wars,etruscan wars etc)
-
- +2
-
-
Retired US Army and member Legio V (USA)
written by John Kaler, June 09, 2008
written by John Kaler, June 09, 2008
An issue devoted to food, drink cooking mess gear canteens
ovens etc in on the march and in garrison would have plenty of material. If not enough there it could be covered as part of an issue on Logistics in general. It has to be a tremendous and interesting logistical effort to support a legion whether in garrison or on campaign.
John
ovens etc in on the march and in garrison would have plenty of material. If not enough there it could be covered as part of an issue on Logistics in general. It has to be a tremendous and interesting logistical effort to support a legion whether in garrison or on campaign.
John
-
- +0
-
-
Some possible themes..
written by Vincent, July 03, 2008
written by Vincent, July 03, 2008
while talking about ancient warfare (i mean circa 600 BC) i think of the Meads, the Pheonicians, the Babylonians, the Scythians, and last but not least the Assyrians.
did you notice? no Romans, no Egyptians, no Greeks...
But the Assyrians are the core of efficient tactical warfare. How else can you explain the centuries and centuries of reign they had. and it's to the geography of the Assyrian Empire which protected them - it was their "policy of terror" and their formidable army and tactical warfare.
i was wondering if Ancient warfare could find something about these peoples.
a Ancient history buff.
did you notice? no Romans, no Egyptians, no Greeks...
But the Assyrians are the core of efficient tactical warfare. How else can you explain the centuries and centuries of reign they had. and it's to the geography of the Assyrian Empire which protected them - it was their "policy of terror" and their formidable army and tactical warfare.
i was wondering if Ancient warfare could find something about these peoples.
a Ancient history buff.
-
- +0
-
-
Write comment
# Tactics, standards and military music
# Hero-soldier. Not just stories of heroics, but also decorations, myths, mirroring and displaying of 'Heroic' behavior