Roman Conquests: Macedonia and Greece - Philip Matyszak [epub]

This is the third in the Roman Conquests series (following Italy and Spain) and one of those with the most obvious appeal. While Rome was struggling for her very survival against the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War, Philip V of Macedon attempted to take advantage of their apparent vulnerability by allying with Hannibal and declaring war. For the time being the Romans negated this threat by shrewd use of allies to keep Philip occupied in Greece and Illyria. Once Carthage was defeated, however, the Romans were free to turn their full attention to settling the score. The stage was set for the clash of two of the most successful military systems of the ancient world, the Roman legions versus the Macedonian phalanx. Though sorely tested, the legions emerged victorious from the epic battles of Cynoscephelae and Pydna, and the home of Alexander the Great fell under the power of Rome, along with the rest of Greece, the cradle of Western Civilization, which had a profound effect on Roman culture and society.

Like the other volumes in this series, this book gives a clear narrative of the course of these wars, explaining how the Roman war machine coped with formidable new foes and the challenges of unfamiliar terrain and climate. Specially commissioned color plates bring the main troop types vividly to life in meticulously researched detail.

Dr Philip 'Maty' Matyszak has a doctorate in ancient history from St John's College, Oxford University and has been studying, teaching and writing on the subject for the past twenty years. He specializes in ancient Rome, especially the Late Republic and Early Imperial periods.

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Pen and Sword; First Edition (March 10, 2010)