Alexander the Great versus Julius Caesar: Who was the Greatest Commander in the Ancient World?

by Simon Elliott

Overview

In the annals of ancient history the lights of Alexander the Great and Gaius Julius Caesar shine brighter than any other, inspiring generations of dynasts and despots with their imperial exploits. Each has been termed the greatest military leader of the ancient world, but who actually was the best? In this new book Dr Simon Elliott first establishes a set of criteria by which to judge the strategic and tactical genius of both. He then considers both in turn in brand-new, up-to-date military biographies, starting with Alexander, undefeated in battle and conqueror of the largest empire the world had seen by the age of 26. Next Caesar, the man who played the crucial role in expanding Roman territory to the size which would later emerge as the Empire under his great nephew, adopted son and heir Augustus. The book’s detailed conclusion sets each of their military careers against the criteria set out earlier to finally answer the question: who was the greatest military leader in the ancient world?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781526765642
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	02/17/2022
Pages:	264
Sales rank:	701,378
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr Simon Elliott is an award-winning and best-selling archaeologist, historian and broadcaster. He has written numerous books on themes related to the classical world and military history, and frequently appears on broadcast media as a presenter and expert. Amongst others, his books published by Casemate Publishers include Ancient Greeks at War (2021), Old Testament Warriors (2021) and Romans at War (2020). He is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, Trustee of the Council for British Archaeology, Ambassador for Museum of London Archaeology, President of the Society of Ancients, and Guide Lecturer for Andante Travels and Hidden History Travel.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Chapter 1 Philip II and the Kingdom of Macedon 1

Chapter 2 Alexander the Great: A Biography 43

Chapter 3 The Macedonian Army 73

Chapter 4 On Campaign and In Battle: Alexander 109

Chapter 5 The Roman Republic 139

Chapter 6 Gaius Julius Caesar: A Biography 159

Chapter 7 The Republican Roman Army 191

Chapter 8 On Campaign and In Battle: Caesar 205

Conclusion 229

Bibliography 241

Index 247