Rome's desert frontier was one where the Empire faced few dangers, for here relations were generally based on a mutual interest in trade across the frontier. Yet when Rome did clash with desert peoples, particularly those of Syria and Arabia, the mobility, fighting skills and ability to withdraw into an arid wilderness often gave the Arabs, Berbers and Sudanese an extra edge. This fascinating volume by David Nicolle explores the history and armies of Rome's enemies of the desert frontier. The author's fine text is accompanied by a wealth of illustrations and photographs, including eight...
Rome's desert frontier was one where the Empire faced few dangers, for here relations were generally based on a mutual interest in trade across the fr...
The French forces that fought during the American War of Independence (1775-1783)were, to a large extent, a product of the disasters of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). During that war the fleet had been swept off the oceans, and nearly all colonies had been lost. Sweeping reforms were demanded. From the end of 1762 a series of royal orders dictated by common sense and good planning were signed by the king, and a vast reorganisation was started, ensuring that the army that fought in the American War presented a very different, altogether more formidable threat to her foes."
The French forces that fought during the American War of Independence (1775-1783)were, to a large extent, a product of the disasters of the Seven Year...
Although the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire and faced similar military problems, its solutions were very different. In North Africa, for example, Rome's large army concentrated on securing main roads and urban centres. Byzantium's smaller army built more fortifications and took a defensive stance. The most striking characteristic of later Byzantine military thinking was, however, the theme or provincial army system, which owed nothing to ancient Roman tradition. With eight superb full colour plates by Angus McBride, and many other illustrations, David Nicolle examines...
Although the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire and faced similar military problems, its solutions were very different. In North ...
Ultimately, regiments are judged by their behaviour in battle; and highlanders have always had a reputation as 'stormers', as exemplified by the impetuous charge of the Gordons at Waterloo, intermingled with the Scots greys. This reputation probably resulted at least in part from an unusually close bonding between officers and men, and an assumption that highlanders were natural soldiers, possessed of an impetuous spirit and temperamentally more inclined to use the bayonet. Complemented by many illustrations, including eight full page colour plates by Bryan Fosten, Stuart Reid's engaging text...
Ultimately, regiments are judged by their behaviour in battle; and highlanders have always had a reputation as 'stormers', as exemplified by the impet...
The Reformation in England further distanced the Irish, as the majority of Irishmen adhered stubbornly to their Catholicism. Eventually, in Elizabeth's reign, both sides resorted to the use of force on a large scale in a series of bloody wars and rebellions that were to culminate in the Earl of Tyrone's "Great Rebellion" of 1595-1603. This text by Ian Heath looks at the history, organization and tactics of the armies of the Irish Wars (1485-1603), armies which included such troops as the fearsome Irish Galloglasses, who bore a deadly axe six feet long with a blade that was one foot broad
The Reformation in England further distanced the Irish, as the majority of Irishmen adhered stubbornly to their Catholicism. Eventually, in Elizabeth'...
In Europe the Mamluks of Egypt are remembered as so-called 'Slave Kings' who drove out the Crusaders from the Holy Land; but they were far more than that. Though its frontiers barely changed, the Mamluk Sultanate remained a 'great power' for two and a half centuries. Its armies were the culmination of a military tradition stretching back to the 8th century, and provided a model for the early Ottoman Empire, whose own armies reached the gates of Vienna only twelve years after the Mamluks were overthrown. This absorbing text by David Nicolle explores the organisation and tactics of these...
In Europe the Mamluks of Egypt are remembered as so-called 'Slave Kings' who drove out the Crusaders from the Holy Land; but they were far more than t...
By the time of his death in 1725 Peter the Great had placed Russia among the foremost European powers, and had created a military system that has infuenced the European balance of power until the present day. In this companion volume to Men-at-Arms 260, Peter the Great's Army 1: Infantry, Angus Konstam discusses Tsar Peter's cavalry, both the regular troops and irregular forces such as the Cossacks, exploring their composition and effectiveness, and also outlines the development of the Russian train of artillery. The Author's text is complemented by a multitude of illustrations and...
By the time of his death in 1725 Peter the Great had placed Russia among the foremost European powers, and had created a military system that has infu...
The SS originated as Hitler's personal bodyguard and following his rise to power in 1933 the organisation divided into two: the Waffen-SS, which comprised the military wing, and the Allgemeine-SS, whose role was to support the police in maintaining order. The Allgemeine-SS had a wide-ranging effect on all aspects of life in Nazi Germany, from enforcing Hitler's racial policies through to the running of over 500 factories in Germany and occupied Europe. While the more visible armed SS combat units naturally received all the publicity, especially during World War II, it was the rather faceless...
The SS originated as Hitler's personal bodyguard and following his rise to power in 1933 the organisation divided into two: the Waffen-SS, which compr...
During the period 1775-78 of the American Revolutionary War, General Washington commanded three separate armies: the New England Army of 1775; the one-year army of the United Colonies, renamed Army of the United States in July 1776; and the forces established by the Continental Congress to serve for three years from January 1777, or for the duration. In this, the first of two studies by Marko Zlatich (Men-at Arms 290 continues the treatment, covering the period from 1779-83), the systems used by state and Continental authorities to procure clothing materials, the quantities they obtained and...
During the period 1775-78 of the American Revolutionary War, General Washington commanded three separate armies: the New England Army of 1775; the one...
By the late 1820s, furs, land and minerals made the Indian territories west of the Mississippi River an increasingly inviting realm. The vast expanse of the Great Plains, coupled with the fact that many tribal groups of the region possessed horses, meant a more mobile type of soldier was required. Consequently, on 15 June 1832, Congress authorised the raising of 600 mounted Rangers. They proved such a success that they eventually gave way to a more permanent organisation: the Dragoons. John Langellier details the fascinating campaign history of the US Dragoons 1833-55, complete with numerous...
By the late 1820s, furs, land and minerals made the Indian territories west of the Mississippi River an increasingly inviting realm. The vast expanse ...
