GREAT GENERALS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD

Of the thousands of commanders who served in history's armies, why is it that only a few are remembered as remarkable leaders of men in battle? The book examines the role of human will and intellect as evident in the lives of 10 selected military commanders of the ancient world - Thutmose III of Egypt, Moses, Sargon II the Great of Assyria, Philip II of Macedon, Scipio Africanus, Hannibal Barca, Julius Caesar, Marcus Agrippa, Muhammad. Gabriel analyses their psychology, personality and experience that allows these generals to tread the path to greatness and conspicuous for their absence are Alexander the Great and Attila the Hun. Hannibal's movement over the Alps marked his propensity to take risks on a grand scale. Sargon died leading an attack in battle, Caesar personally led the attack at Alesia distinguishing himself by his red cloak, and Thutmose personally led the attack at Megiddo. Philip was wounded five times, Alexander seven and Muhammad twice. Himself a military man, Gabriel distils the timeless essence of military leadership. Well illustrated with maps.