Ancient Greek Fortifications 500-300 BC

This volume on fortifications follows Osprey's standard format for the "fortifications" series. Chapter 1 covers building methods, the second provides details on 5 sample fortifications, chapter three provides a an overview of the nature of conflict for the ancient Greeks and the role fortifications played therein, the fourth chapter provides examples of some sieges of fortifications and the last chapter provides details on some of the sites today. With respect to all of these chapters, given the fact they are only a few pages long (the entire book is only about 60 pages in length) does a very good job in terms of an introduction. The illustrations are especially good and are very well supplemented by the author's own collection of photographs. The photos and cut-away drawings give an especially good idea of how the various portions of the fortifications looked like and what functions they served. The photos also give one an exellent impression of how many of these look like today. In addition, considerable work has been done on incorporating the views of ancient authorities on the role of fortifications and histories of sieges. All and all a very good investment of one hour's worth of reeading if that is all you can spare for an introduction to this topic.