{"title":"Illustrated by Giorgio Albertini","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781472865755","title":"Armies of Justinian the Great, AD 527–65","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA fully illustrated study of the 6th-century campaigns that saw the Byzantine Empire largely reconquer the Mediterranean, examining Emperor Justinian I’s generals and troops in detail.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e While the Germanic invasions of 5th century destroyed the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire entered the 6th century largely unscathed. Under the reign of Justinian I (r. 527–65), it saw the imposition of Orthodox Christian authority, a new codification of laws and a partial restoration of Roman imperial glory, as the emperor tasked a group of highly skilled generals with recapturing the Mediterranean coast. This engaging new study combines expert research with archaeological photographs and newly commissioned illustrations to examine the personalities, tactics, uniforms and weaponry behind this mighty effort.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRoman military historian Raffaele d’Amato brings to life the remarkable characters who oversaw Justinian’s armies, expertly chronicling their struggles and victories. Commanders and generals such as Belisarius, Narses and John Troglitas are considered in detail, as are the troops they led to triumph over enemies including the Ostrogoths, Vandals and Persians. Complemented by eight colour artwork plates that vividly depict the different elements of infantry and cavalry at the heart of Justinian’s conquests, this is an absorbing and lively account of the Byzantine Empire at war.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55896431690101,"sku":"9781472865755","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472865755_1df65066-f5c7-432b-9b34-662f23df496c.jpg?v=1786020409"},{"product_id":"ancient-jewish-armies-1200-586-bc","title":"Ancient Jewish Armies 1200–586 BC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis fully illustrated study examines the Jewish armies of the Near East and traces the evolution of their organization and tactics across more than six tumultuous centuries.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e From their origins as nomadic shepherd warriors employed as mercenaries by the Egyptians and other major civilizations of the Near East, the Jewish people evolved into a nation, Israel, which became the central force in the history of the Fertile Crescent. Drawing upon the latest research and findings, the authors chart the evolution of Jewish military organization and customs from the conquest of Canaan to conflicts with neighbours and settlers, most notably the Philistines, as the Jewish tribes gathered under the command of a monarch, Saul.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Jewish victories over the Philistines were led by David, conqueror of Jerusalem. David’s son Solomon reorganized the army, which became permanent with specialized troop types such as chariots, as Israel’s military drew upon Egyptian, Hittite, Assyrian and Babylonian practice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The authors explain how after Solomon’s death, the kingdom split in two, with Judah in the south and Israel in the north. Israel fell under Assyrian domination in 721 BC, while Judah survived until the war with the Neo-Babylonian Empire of Nebuchadnezzar, who conquered Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple in 586 BC. The warriors fighting for Israel and Judah are revealed in this fully illustrated account.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57504983122293,"sku":"9781472873842","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472873842.jpg?v=1786953902"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/illustrator-giorgio-albertini.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}