Ancient Warfare Magazine: Volume IV, Issue 4, Darkness descends: End of the Bronze Age Empires |
|
Ancient Warfare Magazine: Volume IV, Issue 4, Darkness descends: End of the Bronze Age Empires This issue of Ancient Warfare Magazine focuses on a period of great turmoil in the Eastern Mediterranean - the collapse of the Hittite and Mycenaean Empires and the struggle between Egypt and the Sea People.
The main theme is covered by articles looking at the collapse of the Mycenaean Citadel culture (and what came next), the Bronze Age war axe and Ramesses III against the Sea People. The section on post-Citadel Mycenae was particularly interesting - I hadn’t realised that a significant civilisation survived the collapse of the famous citadels.
There are also two further articles on metal weapons, a look at unusual tactics in Greek battles and an examination of the purpose of the Imperial Roman Fleet. The comparison of various metals used in weapons is particularly illuminating, looking at the physical characteristics of bronze, iron and steel weapons - their suitability for use in weapons and the impact that the availability of the raw materials had on the move from bronze to iron.
Overall this is an interesting collection of articles with a focus on a fascinating early period of Ancient history - a period that was already mysterious when our earlier Ancient historians began to write.
Chapters
The Source - The Harris Papyrus
Palace Warriors - The end of Mycenaean Civilisation in Greece
The Weapon - Bronze battle-axes of the Middle East
Homes for Heroes - Mycenaean citadels in Bronze Age Greece
The War of the Eighth Year - The battle of the Delta
Bringer of Dark Death - The bronze sword in the Iliad
Cutting Edge Technology - Elucidating the secrets of early metallurgy
Special - Tricks of the Trade
The Debate - Fleets of the Empire