Naval warfare in the ancient world is very often described
in brief terms, and this book seeks to put the spotlight on a generally
neglected aspect of classical history.
Mr. Grainger looks at naval warfare in the Mediterranean
from Alexander to the Diadochi, Carthage
and Rome. A number of helpful maps
(especially for the Aegean) are in the front and a
number of photographs, which are perhaps of slightly low quality, are also
included.
I found this book interesting and unusual, particularly
regarding Alexander the Great. I'm a great admirer of his, but he did seem to
seriously miss a trick when it came to the potential of the fleet (not that
that stopped him conquering all before him).
The history of Ptolemaic Egypt also changed my mind
regarding the nature of that kingdom. I'd previously viewed it as an entirely
defensive realm, with Ptolemy having a land perfectly suited, with the Nile,
to defence and simply holding his own. However, the Ptolemaic sea power (until
they became afflicted with complacency and a political crisis) was very much
proactive and helped maintain the kingdom's security.
Following the matters in the Aegean
was somewhat tricky at times simply because there are so many coastal cities
and islands large and small, but the gist was quite plain.
It was also interesting to learn more of the naval aspect of
the Civil War, where Pompey (and then his successors, especially in Africa)
didn't seem to realise or utilise their naval supremacy. Given Caesar had to
cross the Adriatic and then sail to Africa
that could have changed the course of the war, had they but known it.
The book ends, fittingly, with the victory of Octavian over
Mark Anthony.
I do think a bit more could have been written of the
relative merits and differences between ship types. Penteconters are mentioned
but not really explained and biremes are not, I think, mentioned at all.
It presented a very different prism through which to view
ancient warfare than most other books, as well as tying together certain parts
of history often treated separately (Alexander, the Diadochi, the Punic and
Civil Wars).
Minor point: as the picture shows the word 'Wars' is in the
title. However, the title and cover I saw online both have 'Warfare' instead.
Not sure why this discrepancy is there.
Thaddeus
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