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Mercenaries during classical era

Posted: 2012-08-29 04:18am
by ray245
Is there any books that pay special attention to mercenaries during the classical period? I am interested in finding out whether Mercenaries brought along their consort and children with them on campaign, and how the various Mercenaries armies were orgainsed.

Re: Mercenaries during classical era

Posted: 2012-09-10 05:18am
by Zinegata
Just to clarify - are you referring to the Greek mercenaries like those featured in Xenophon's March?

Re: Mercenaries during classical era

Posted: 2012-09-10 06:36pm
by ray245
Yes, as well as various other mercenary armies like the ones that was used by Carthage.

Re: Mercenaries during classical era

Posted: 2012-09-10 07:29pm
by Darth Wong
I too am curious about the daily life of mercenaries in the Carthaginian army, especially considering the way they were used in combat (ie- put into the front line, with the spears of the second line at their backs in case they should attempt to flee).

Re: Mercenaries during classical era

Posted: 2012-09-10 10:05pm
by Zinegata
For the Greeks you may want to look directly at the source materials - i.e. the Anabasis (which covers Xenophon's March).

Records on Carthage are more spotty though, since Rome pretty much destroyed all of their literature. But I suspect Thanas would know a few good Roman history books which covers the Carthaginians at length (i.e. Livy).