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I have read few book about ancient life and warfare, but they have not been too informative. Or at least not for small detailed information. Can you point me out for few authors for Hellenic and Roman history in general, that are trustworthy and reliable source.
Thanks ahead for all of you who can give couple authors/books names.
I recommend Tarn and Holt for the Baktrians and their Indian successors (Tarn also covers the Sakae and Yuezhi to a fairly good extent), Holbl for the Ptolemies, Bevan for the Seleukids, Garoufalias for the Epeirotes, and Billows for the Antigonids.
~:cheers:
Polybius (Roman) and Plutarch (greek and roman)
I'm certainly no "authority' on this topic (I got my Jee Eee Dee) but I've found Ian Scott-Kilvert's translations of Plutarch's Lives to be great lunch break and throne reading. Penguin has a whole series. I dont know if its still in print, my copy was published in '78 but its easy to read and pretty entertaining.
B.C McGing's "The Foreign Policy of Mithradates VI Eupator" is also good and draws upon Strabo mainly and also archeological and other evidence.
It deals mainly with Mithradates VI, but also has a chapter about the previous kings of Pontos. Although if you are looking for military details, then this book has no such info and neither are there mentions of battles in detail. It primarily focuses on Pontic politics.
Mine were translated by I.S.K. too! As far as i know they are a lot of reprints. I'm trying to build up a collection. Polybius is real good 'coz of his view on history though he writes in a rather matter of fact way. Not much battle info either. (Livius is better for that)Quote:
Originally Posted by mediobogdum
grtz kod
I will have to see if I can find some of Polybius or Livius then. My main source is a little used book store around the block from me and their supply is somewhat erratic.The last time I was in there I asked the chip munching college student whose feet were propped up on the desk if they had any more like this and she fixed me with this glazed stare, summoning enough effort to oh so barely shake her head no.
Is this Ian Scott-Kilvert generally accepted as a good translator of ancient greek?
Well i don't know about that. The fact that htey bring it out again is a sign plus he is a professor (that is to be expected) . Dunno i'd say he is, but heck what do i know.
maybe google him see hat comes up
Soldiers an Ghosts by J.E Lendon provides a good insight into Greco-Roman warfare, plus it's a fun read.