The Army of Alexander the Great

The Army of Alexander the Great Synopsis

The Army of Alexander the Great provides a comprehensive account of the army with which Alexander conquered the Persian Empire. It details the organisation, equipment, appearance, drill and tactics of the core Macedonian units, the Greek and Balkan allies and mercenaries, and the Asian subjects of the Alexandrian army.

Initial chapters cover the main components of the army, with particular emphasis on the pike-armed phalanx that formed the core of all Macedonian armies. But Alexander's army was a balanced, combined-arms force, and the importance of the supporting units of light infantry and cavalry, many supplied by Macedon's subject states and allies, is also emphasised.

Subsequent chapters examine the army in action, covering subjects ranging from pay and terms of service to march rates and intelligence. Finally, there is an analysis of each of the major battles fought by the Army, allowing its tactics to be seen in context.

The comprehensive text is supported by illustrations of ancient art and artefacts, along with campaign and battle maps and diagrams, and specially-commissioned artwork. Informed by the latest scholarly research and including detailed references to the ancient sources, but written to be accessible by the general reader, The Army of Alexander the Great is an invaluable resource for all those with an interest in ancient military history.