The empire of Alexander the Great has begun to crumble and a new leader has emerged to reunify part of it. Seleucus I emerges from the Egyptian portion of Alexander's old Empire crushing one enemy after another. This is a study of the tactics and makeup of the army that did that.

The Seleucid Army of Antiochus the Great is an interesting and comprehensive academic military history of the Greek Hellenistic ruler's armies researched and written by Dr. Jean Charl Du Plessis. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 352 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a meticulously written and annotated history of the organisation, training, history, armour & weapons technology, and campaigns which Antiochus III's army were involved in during the 36 years of his reign (222-187 B.C.E.). The information is arranged logically with thematic chapters in several sections: the land forces (infantry and cavalry), the auxiliary forces at Raphia (including campaigns and engagements), special forces and terror weapons (elephants and chariots!), and battle history and assessments.

Although the author is a historian and academic, the writing is perfectly accessible to any readers interested in military and political history, even ones who are not academics with a background in the time period. There are copious notes and annotations throughout which will provide many hours of additional reading and information. The book contains illustrations and many maps showing the borders and changes in the geopolitical landscape during Antiochus' time. I really enjoyed the modern photos of replica (and historical) weapons and armour which show the construction and utilisation of protective/offensive gear which would've been like those used by the soldiers of the time period.

The cross referenced index and bibliography are well written and extensive.

Five stars. This would be a superlative selection for public or school library acquisition, fans of military history, as well as historical re-enactors, SCAdians, and possibly theatre type folks. I was riveted to see the actual damage a .45 slug did to a reproduction Corinthian bronze helm (photos on p. 212 in the eARC edition which I received for review). The author has seriously done his homework on what sort of physical protection might have been afforded soldiers in battle.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Seleucid Army of Antiochus the Great provides a well-studied look at the army of Antiochus III, including its arms and tactics. The author accomplishes his task of showing how Antiochus’ armies maintained a level of excellence that some modern scholars have denied. He does this by comparing most aspects of the Seleucid armies to other ancient armies. Therefore, the book would benefit any reader interested in military history from Alexander to the Roman period.

The author’s knowledge of the phalanx was impressive. He was able to offer interesting insights while relating the various types of phalanx formations pertinent to the study. In one place he pointed to Alexander’s ability to counteract the Persian battle chariot by shifting his phalanx. The description of the armor and weaponry used by the phalanx, as well as the calvary and auxiliary forces, was comprehensive. The reader can mentally survey the ancient battlefield with real insight.

Part of the book’s strength comes through the support of ancient testimony. Writers, inscriptions, and artifacts from that period help establish the author’s claims. An interesting example of artifact support was given when discussing slings. “Numerous slingshot have inscriptions which denote messages to their enemies. …such as ‘Fire’, ‘It Rains’, ‘Sweetmeat’, ‘Ouch’ and ‘Take that.’”

It is obvious by reading that the author has a real passion for ancient warfare. This passion spills over to the reader. If you have any interest in the Greco-Roman world buy this book.