Hellenistic Naval and Military Developments

First published in 1930

This is a collection of essays by the noted classical scholar W. W. Tarn, originally delivered as Lees Knowles Lectures in Military History at Trinity College, Cambridge.

Tarn draws on a range of sources to trace the history and development of warfare in the Hellenistic period, with particular emphasis on military strategy under Alexander the Great.

The first lecture

Outlines the role of infantry, analysing the weaponry used in various battles.

The second lecture

Tarn examines the development of cavalry, its history in Macedonia, Thessaly and Iran, and its use of elephants and camels.

The final lecture

Explores improvements in siege and naval methods, with particular attention to advancements in artillery.

Providing valuable insight into a period of extensive military innovation, this book gives an overview of the military and naval arts and sciences of the Hellenistic era.