If you are interested in ancient miniature gaming this is one of the definite books for you. It treats every major and minor power involved in the macedonian and punic wars from 359BC to 146BC: Organisation and composition of their armies, their tactical methods and the major battles of the period. The book's most important content are the more than 180 b/w drawings and descriptions of the contemporary warrior's dress and equipment. Many miniatures sculptors seem to rely on these drawings.

Rosendorfer macht keinen Versuch, Geschichte neutral und objektiv zu erzählen. Seine deutsche Geschichte, die in der Zeit von Caesar beginnt und (mit dem fünften Band) bis ins 18. Jh. dauert, ist immer kritisch-persönlich gefärbt. Seien es die Päpste, deren Beweggründe sich meist nach weltlichem Machtstreben richteten, sei es Karl der Grosse, der die Sachsen mit dem Schwert in der Hand zum Christentum bekehrte, seien es die Kaiser des heiligen römischen Reiches, die selten im Interesse des Reiches und öfters in ihrem eigenen Interesse handelten - alle bekommen Rosendorfers spitze Feder zu spüren. Zudem wird Geschichte hier nicht als Folge von Einzelereignissen beschrieben, sondern es werden wo immer möglich, Zusammenhänge und Gründe erläutert. Dies alles macht Rosendorfers deutsche Geschichte zu einem höchst informativen, spannenden und unterhaltsamen Lesevergnügen.

We Europeans learn that our western cultural heritage origins in classical Greece and Rome. Reading Tom Hollands account of the first "world empire", it came as a shock to me when I learned, that it could have turned out very differently: The Persian empire had a highly developed civil and military administration, culture and economy. In comparison, the Greek communities on the western end of the persian empire looked very modest in size and development. The repeated assaults of the persian kings on the Greeks should have been successful by all means, but some of the most heroic battles in history turned the tide. And so it came that we europeans today look upon the Persian culture as an utterly strange one. "Persian Fire" is full of information and takes a methodical approach to the subject. It is Tom Holland's narrative style that makes this book easily readable and a must-have for the history interested.

If you are interested in ancient miniature gaming this is one of the definite books for you. It treats the organisation, tactics and weapons of every major and minor enemy of imperial rome from 150BC to 600 AD with emphasis on the imperial roman armies itself. The book contains 146 b/w illustrations of warrior's dresses and equipment and 200 contemporary shield patterns. Many miniatures sculptors seem to rely on these drawings.

A complete and comprehensible account of the three punic wars. Well suited for the non-professional historian too.

In-depht analysis of the political, military and economic situation and the possible causes that lead to the fall of the (western) roman empire. This book is both comprehensible and exciting but nevertheless treats the subjects thoroughly and methodically correct. If you want to learn more about the late roman history, this is the book for you.

This richly and colourfully illustrated book treats the history of warfare in the mediterranean world from homeric times to the fall of the roman empire. The texts give an overview of people and events, are not overly detailed and easy to read. It is with the illustrations of warriors, equipment, maps and battle plans where the book really shines.

An exciting account of a roman "new man's" career in the times of the late republic. Marcus Tullius Cicero, originating from Arpinum like Gaius Marius, intellecually brilliant but only moderately wealthy starts as a minor advocate and finally succeeds in becoming Consul in 63BC. With him we get to know the military and political system as well as the great men - Caesar and Pompey - of the late republic.

In seven volumes the author recounts roman history from Gaius Marius to the ascension of Octavian. McCollough melds historical accuracy with her own imagination of the grand personalities of the late roman republic. A most entertaining and thrilling history lesson.