The Byzantine Princess and the First Crusade

Anna Komnene is one of the most curious figures in the history of an intriguing empire. A woman of extraordinary education and intellect, she was the only Byzantine female historian and one of the first and foremost historians in medieval Europe. Yet few people seem to know of her and her extraordinary story, I certainly didn’t.

Her greatest legacy is that she composed the Alexiad, the history of the First Crusade and the Byzantine Emperor, Alexios I Komnenos (1081-1118), her father.

I enjoy books about female historical figures as you rarely see them getting this much focus. Especially around this period in history.

One strange comment I know, but I actually really liked the font size in this version of the book (Must be getting old). It was much easier to read. Some of the bigger books I have read recently have smaller fonts and the text is much harder to read.

The family tree and timelines are great to put her life into context of what was happening in the Byzantine Empire. The quotes from the Alexiad were also intriguing.

A really great and accessible read, lots of detail and would highly recommend for anyone interested in this period of history.  I had read another book on the Komnene dynasty but that was more focussed on the men.  This fills the gap in that history.

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books.

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.

A Bold Re-appraisal of One of History’s Most Famous Battles

The Battle of Marathon in 490 BC, where an Athenian-led Greek force defeated a Persian invasion, is one of the most decisive battles in Antiquity and has been studied for centuries. It is famed as a triumph of the Greek hoplite heavy infantry phalanx against massively superior Persian numbers. But this exciting re-assessment of the evidence, including new archaeological findings, overturns many long-held assumptions.

The authors have looked at available sources, they feel they have also discovered the whereabouts of the Greek encampment. They suggest that Greek numbers where higher than previously thought as the hoplites were accompanied by light infantry who seem to been forgotten in the aftermath of battle.

Apparently one of the big bones on contention with this battle was the role of the Persian heavy cavalry as some historians has argued they did not take part.  It seems odd that 1000 of the most feared heavy cavalry of time simply didn’t get involved. However, the authors feel the cavalry had a central role, but the Greeks use of the terrain meant they were defeated.

I did feel the title of the book was going to be one of those books that presented a new view without much evidence. This is a well researched and laid out book.  There are lots of original sources and a large reading list.

I can see this being used by wargammers to recreate this version of the battle.   I won’t spoil the authors’ views of our famous marathon runner…. 

I also like the Agincourt comparison nugget right at the back of the book. It is a very interesting read…

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books.

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.

Sustaining The Roman Army on campaign

One of the most interesting things about Empire building that lots of people overlook at how everyone got equipped and fed.  A well equipped and fed army is the difference between success and failure.  Doing it once is straightforward enough, but keeping the supply lines open and armies well fed and supplied is a great feat – especially while on campaign.

This new release by Merrow, Starace and Von Hassell discusses how Roman military logistics were first used at scale by Caesar and this included road, river and sea movement of armies, equipment and supplies.

The book also covers what could be foraged and used locally as well as how supply and communication lines were protected.  We also see the first real use on operational hubs where supplies were send them resorted and then distributed where needed.

This really is an interesting read. Maybe because my Father was a Quartermaster in the Army (British not Roman).

Interestingly, the book discusses how Caesar influenced modern European cuisine – there is even a recipe for Oysters in Sauce.  And that Kent oysters were a delicacy in Rome even in those days.  How cool is that?

The book has a number of recipes used by Caesars Armies – actually some looks really tasty. 

This is a great read on the actual practicalities of running a successful military campaign – of which Caesar had his fair share, as well as running a vast Empire.

This is a great book for living history, re-enactors and even wargammers to be honest, looking for ideas for skirmish campaigns attacking baggage trains.

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books.

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.

I wanted to get this book review out quickly as it is a great book that a lot of HEMA people especially will appreciate, as examples of warrior women going about their business.  

I know people who read my reviews, well both of you, will probably notice a pattern of me saying well I never knew that.

This book is going to be full of this.  Women commanders in battle?  Did not know that.  My view of amazons, was South American, not Greek.  Need to cut down on watching the history channel clearly.  

I simply need to add this quote as it is epic:

“We are armed with the bow and javelin and we ride horses.  We know nothing at all about women’s work.”
Herodutus citing the Amazons mission statement.

The book covers the classic period and focusses on Greek and Roman history.  Some names will be familiar, Cleopatra and Boudica.  

But how about Artemisia, who commanded the Carian navy. 

Or Hydna, who the author alikens to a Royal Marine Commando. Her and her father pretty much destroyed an entire Persian fleet but swimming out armed with knives and cutting the ships moorings.  Amazing stuff really.

The book also doesn’t shy away from the other side of women in war. That of being the victims of rape and other atrocities.  It is a balanced but sobering read. 

There are a huge amount resource and references. The structure of the book allows you to dip in and out and read individual stories – of which there are a lot.

This is a book that will stay on my bookshelves for a long time and one I will refer too.  I also need to make sure I include warrior women in conversations and examples more when we look to reenact and teach combat.

I would highly recommend this book for any HEMA practioner, for the look at early period history but also re-enactors looking for strong female leads and characters to re-enact. 

You can buy the book here from Pen and Sword books.

Please note I was not paid to write this review but was sent a review copy of the book. All comments are my own, and the publishers have not amended the review in any way.