Hellenistic and Roman Naval Wars Audiobook Libro.fm

Description

A technological strategic and tactical history of ancient naval ships from Alexander to the battle of Actium

The period covered in this book is well known for its epic battles and grand campaigns of territorial conquest but Hellenistic monarchies Carthaginians and the rapacious Roman Republic were scarcely less active at sea Huge resources were poured into maintaining fleets not only as symbols of prestige but as means of projecting real military power across the Mediterranean arena

Taking the period between Alexander the Greats conquests and the Battle of Actium John Grainger analyzes the developments in naval technology and tactics the uses and limitations of sea power and the differing strategies of the various powers He shows for example how the Rhodians and the Romans eschewed the everlarger monster galleys favored by most Hellenistic monarchs in favor of smaller vessels This is a fascinating study of a neglected aspect of ancient warfare