From Armageddon to the Fall of Rome: How the Myth Makers Changed the World - Softcover

Erik Durschmied

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340821779 ISBN 13: 9780340821770

Publisher: Coronet, 2003

Synopsis

In the Mediterranean, this most fought-over region in the world, the figures of potentates and conquerors appear god-like: Thutmosis, Leonidas, Xerxes, Pyrrhus, Hannibal, Caesar and Vercingetorix. Ancient history, from Pharaonic Egypt and the Shahs of Persia, to the Golden Age of Greece and the conquests of Alexander the Great and his dream of a universal brotherhood, is dominated by these incredible characters. And then comes Rome, the supreme political event of Ancient History and the world's first superpower. "Ancient Battles" is the history of incredible men, brave and reckless, lucky and ill-fated, engaging their forces in battles that are prime examples of ruse, chance, and military brilliance. Erik Durschmied looks at seventeen of ancient history's most fascinating battles, many of which have been almost forgotten, but which in reality changed both the world and time itself.

About this title

About the Author

Erik Durschmied was born in Vienna in 1930. After the Second World War he emigrated to Canada. A television war correspondent for the BBC and CBS, Durschmied covered every major crisis, from Vietnam, Iran, Iraq, Belfast, Beirut, Chile, to Cuba and Afghanistan. Winner of numerous awards, Newsweek wrote 'Durschmied is a supremely gifted reporter who has transformed the media he works in.' And in Le Monde: 'He's survived more battles than any living general.' Erik has just been appointed Professor of Military History at The Military Academy of Austria. He lives in Paris and Provence with his family.

Review

PRAISE FOR THE HINGE FACTOR: 'His tales of mayhem and confusion can be gripping, informative and genuinely idea-provoking. He reveals again and again, the casual impact of happenstance.' -- Independent 'Erik Durschmeid's revelations are wholly captivating.' -- Manchester Evening News 'Gripping, riveting. Fascinating. Even when you're sure you know what happened and whodunit, Erik Durschmeid provides another twist.' -- Scotsman PRAISE FOR THE HINGES OF BATTLE: 'The Hinges of Battle is more or less a sequel to Durschmied's previous book and is just as readable. The Hinges of Battle should have a wide readership' -- Nicholas Fearn, Independent on Sunday 'A collection of cracking adventure stories told with infectious enthusiasm, in a book that allows the reader to virtually participate in momentous history-changing events' -- Waterstone's Books Quarterly 'An entertaining and fascinating read' -- Lancashire Evening Post

Edition details

• Publisher: Coronet
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340821779
• ISBN 13: 9780340821770
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 448