Hellenistic Military and Naval Developments

by W.W. Tarn

First published in 1930, this is a collection of essays by the noted classical scholar W. W. Tarn, originally delivered as Lees Knowles Lectures in Military History at Trinity College, Cambridge. Tarn draws on a range of sources to trace the history and development of warfare in the Hellenistic period, with particular emphasis on military strategy under Alexander the Great. The first lecture outlines the role of infantry, analysing the weaponry used in various battles. In the second lecture, Tarn examines the development of cavalry, its history in Macedonia, Thessaly and Iran, and its use of elephants and camels. The final lecture explores improvements in siege and naval methods, with particular attention to advancements in artillery. Providing valuable insight into a period of extensive military innovation, this book gives an overview of the military and naval arts and sciences of the Hellenistic era.

Genres: History

188 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1930

About the author

William Woodthorpe Tarn

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

After being laid off from Loyola University I was able to work, mostly part time, for Ares Press, publishers of the journal, Ancient World, and this particular title. When the company moved to Golden Colorado I was allowed to acquire many of its older publications and a number of bookshelves. This volume, however, somehow evaded my grasp and was only obtained through the good graces of a friend.

Tarn, a scholar's scholar, primarily covers developments in tactics and technology as pertains to infantry, cavalry and naval branches of Greek and Persian forces from the advent of Alexander until the reign of Octavian Augustus. Although based on lectures, some of the material, particularly as regards naval matters, is rather technical. Also, it is assumed that the reader is at least generally familiar with the major battles of the Hellenistic period. In other words, this is not an introductory text.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book, divided into three parts: general overview and infantry operations; cavalry and elephants; siege warfare and naval warfare. The sectiopn on cavalry made the case that following the break up of Alexander's empire, cavalry became the dominant fighting arm in the east. The section on siege warfare didn't have much that was new; simply a review of the state of siege warfare up until the fall of the Carthaginian empire. The same is true of the section on elephants; it was interesting. The section on infantry was very thought provoking and in it, Tarn discusses groundbreaking warfighting techniques pioneered by Alexander, which fell into disuse upon his death. Alexander was one of the first, if not the first, general to use a reserve to turn the tide of a battle. Tarn also describes how Alexander sought to make the phalanx a more flexible body, responsive to the commander's needs as dictated by the flow of battle. Overall, a very worthwhile book which points toward the Roman way of war and why they eventually dominated the Med basin.