Three Phalanx Battles: New Interpretations of three classic battles based on a detailed examination and translation of the ancient sources in - Paperback

by Charles Hilbert (Author)

This book contains reinterpretations of three phalanx battles and a description of a fourth. These reconstructions are primarily based on a careful reading and translation of the ancient texts in Greek and Latin. Fully annotated. THE THREE BATTLESMost written accounts of the Battle of Khaironeia (338 B.C.E.) place Philip of Makedonia on his own right, with his son Alexander leading the Makedonian left, opposite the Sacred Band of Thebes on the Allied Greek right. Subtle clues provide an alternative reconstruction. Ancient reports of the Battle of Issus (333 B.C.E.) and thorough detective work by the great Military Historian Hans Delbruck suggest that, contrary to what one might find in a history of Alexander, that monarch did not lead a frontal assault across the Pinarus River against the Persian left. A more sophisticated tactic was responsible for the Makedonian victory. At Stirling Bridge (1297 C.E.) did the English draw up between the arms of the Forth, or did they present a more bold challenge to Willam Wallace and Andrew Murray? Written sources suggest overconfidence followed by lack of resolve and a massacre rather than a battle.

Author Biography

The author has a B.A. in Greek and Latin and an M.A. in History; he has published articles in national magazines. Books by the author: The Sacred Band of Thebes.