Manousos Kambouris revisits the epic events of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Greece. He gives excellent detail on the Persian perspective and sets the war in the context of the rise of Achaemenid Persia as the superpower of the day and the expansion of their empire into Europe. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe the author show Manousos Kambouris revisits the epic events of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Greece. He gives excellent detail on the Persian perspective and sets the war in the context of the rise of Achaemenid Persia as the superpower of the day and the expansion of their empire into Europe. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe the author shows how the Ionian Revolt, by the Greeks of Asia Minor already under Persian rule, was instrumental. Darius I, the Persian King of Kings ordered the invasion of Greece ostensibly to punish the Greeks, and more specifically the Athenians, for their support of the Revolt and to contain further insurgencies but in truth to achieve god-ordained world dominance. Describing the invasion in great detail, the author analyses the king's immense (even if occasionally exaggerated) army, considering its composition and logistical constraints. The campaign leading to Marathon and the decisive battle itself are then clearly narrated. Manousos Kambouris' meticulous research brings fresh insights to this timeless tale of defiance of the odds and victory for the underdog.
The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars: The Expansion of the Achaemenid Empire and the Battle of Marathon
Manousos Kambouris revisits the epic events of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Greece. He gives excellent detail on the Persian perspective and sets the war in the context of the rise of Achaemenid Persia as the superpower of the day and the expansion of their empire into Europe. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe the author show Manousos Kambouris revisits the epic events of the first Greco-Persian War and the Persian invasion of Greece. He gives excellent detail on the Persian perspective and sets the war in the context of the rise of Achaemenid Persia as the superpower of the day and the expansion of their empire into Europe. After relating the earlier Persian campaigns in Europe the author shows how the Ionian Revolt, by the Greeks of Asia Minor already under Persian rule, was instrumental. Darius I, the Persian King of Kings ordered the invasion of Greece ostensibly to punish the Greeks, and more specifically the Athenians, for their support of the Revolt and to contain further insurgencies but in truth to achieve god-ordained world dominance. Describing the invasion in great detail, the author analyses the king's immense (even if occasionally exaggerated) army, considering its composition and logistical constraints. The campaign leading to Marathon and the decisive battle itself are then clearly narrated. Manousos Kambouris' meticulous research brings fresh insights to this timeless tale of defiance of the odds and victory for the underdog.
Compare
Stephen –
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review detailed and interesting look at the rise of Persia with interesting discussions diagrams and explainations . would improve anyone's knowledge of this period of ancient history. thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review detailed and interesting look at the rise of Persia with interesting discussions diagrams and explainations . would improve anyone's knowledge of this period of ancient history.
Dawn –
While I did thoroughly enjoy "The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars" (particularly Manousos E. Kambouris's way of writing), it does feel like this book needed to be twice the length (or maybe in two volumes) to fully immerse yourself. It's a fascinating part of history, and I would love to read much more about it. My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. While I did thoroughly enjoy "The Rise of Persia and the First Greco-Persian Wars" (particularly Manousos E. Kambouris's way of writing), it does feel like this book needed to be twice the length (or maybe in two volumes) to fully immerse yourself. It's a fascinating part of history, and I would love to read much more about it. My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
Eugene Kernes –
Overview: Sources about the Persian Empire are scarce and often biased in favor of some peoples over others, creating a distorted account of events. The author attempts to corroborate sources, and rectify the errors, to make an account of the events and battles as they actually happened. The focus of the book is on the battles and wars. The weapons and tools that were available. The tactics and strategies employed. Naval and land capabilities. Greek city-states and the Persian Empire had some sim Overview: Sources about the Persian Empire are scarce and often biased in favor of some peoples over others, creating a distorted account of events. The author attempts to corroborate sources, and rectify the errors, to make an account of the events and battles as they actually happened. The focus of the book is on the battles and wars. The weapons and tools that were available. The tactics and strategies employed. Naval and land capabilities. Greek city-states and the Persian Empire had some similarities, such as the need for resources outside those that were available in their regions. The way they obtained those resources was different. While the Greek city-states created colonies, the Persian Empire conquered regions. The decentralized system of the Greek city-states created friction, as their differences did not mix well. The centralized system of the Persian Empire was able to make bureaucracy more systematic, such as with taxation, but created a problem with rebellions, as people did not want to give up their freedoms. Showing the cultural attitudes toward others, and the importance of geopolitics, as the people who could offer valuable services were favored, while others were under pressure. Caveats? The writing of the book is difficult to understand without knowing a lot of the background information. The book is detailed, but hard to put together without knowing the cultural forces impacting decisions.
CASPER HILEMAN –
Cyrus the Great and his empire were the first truly continent-spanning empire. Parts of Asia, Africa, and portions of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean are all united by a common language and governmental system. five hundred years before Rome. The rule of law, written language, and established trade routes spanning the region would lead to a time of growth, learning, and cultural development that would be the greatest in human history up till that point. Fascinating and well worth the read.
Farida –
A fascinating insight into the Greco-Persian wars. This book was enjoyable to read and follow and had scholarly detail on an important part of world history. I learned a lot about ancient history in this book. My knowledge on the Classics is limited to Hollywood blockbusters, so this book helped place the sequence of events into perspective. The author is an expert in this area of history and has done a great job of writing and provided numerous illustrations. to aid the reader. Extensive biblio A fascinating insight into the Greco-Persian wars. This book was enjoyable to read and follow and had scholarly detail on an important part of world history. I learned a lot about ancient history in this book. My knowledge on the Classics is limited to Hollywood blockbusters, so this book helped place the sequence of events into perspective. The author is an expert in this area of history and has done a great job of writing and provided numerous illustrations. to aid the reader. Extensive bibliography has also been provided for those who wish to read around the subject.
Adam Windsor –
NB: free ARC received for honest review I struggled with this one, I must admit. There is a LOT of good information in it, but the presentation is a real challenge. It is dense and convoluted, parenthetical and elliptical. I had to stop and re-read sentences on several occasions. It could use a vigorous editing to simplify the structure, shorten the sentences, and generally improve the ease of reading. If you're willing to persevere with the book though, and really give it your full attention, the NB: free ARC received for honest review I struggled with this one, I must admit. There is a LOT of good information in it, but the presentation is a real challenge. It is dense and convoluted, parenthetical and elliptical. I had to stop and re-read sentences on several occasions. It could use a vigorous editing to simplify the structure, shorten the sentences, and generally improve the ease of reading. If you're willing to persevere with the book though, and really give it your full attention, there is a lot of interesting content to be found.
Annarella –
It's been years since I read a book about Greco-Persian Wars and this was a good way to refresh my memories. It's well researched and informative, a good way to learn about this historical time. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine It's been years since I read a book about Greco-Persian Wars and this was a good way to refresh my memories. It's well researched and informative, a good way to learn about this historical time. Recommended. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Jerome –
James Harrison –
Emrys –
Elise –
Noah –
Jaidee –
Gary Barnes –
DM –
Matija Pavlić –
Kern –
Lisbeth –
WeekendBookClub –
Becky –
Jennifer –
SnarkyMoggie –
Ian –
Sarah Howe –
Juliew. –
Guy Blackstone –
sarah Mtz –
adam whitman –
Zachery Barger –
Tirzah –
Ash Chamberlain –
Dom Young –
Alex Stephenson –