Jack Coggins' study covers the period of early Antiquity, up to the Punic Wars.
The analysis of tactics and strategies of warfare traditional to Egypt, Rome, Greece, Thebes, Macedonia, and other ancient civilizations is complemented by a detailed description of types of weapons and equipment.
The author pays special attention to military ranks – charioteers, archers, shield-bearers, spearmen – and types of troop formations – companies, legions, corps, phalanxes – noting their advantages and disadvantages.
Each of the military battles presented in the book stands as an important link, shaping a powerful driving force in the evolution of history.