The war cry in the Graeco-Roman world /

"This book aims to reconceptualise the Graeco-Roman military phenomenon of the 'war cry'; the term itself is inadequate for defining an ancient military practice that has been misrepresented in modern media and understudied by contemporary scholars. Gersbach introduces the term and pa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gersbach, James (Author)
Published: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group,
Publisher Address: Abingdon, Oxon ; New York :
Publication Dates: 2023.
Literature type: Book
Language: English
Series: Routledge monographs in classical studies
Subjects:
Summary: "This book aims to reconceptualise the Graeco-Roman military phenomenon of the 'war cry'; the term itself is inadequate for defining an ancient military practice that has been misrepresented in modern media and understudied by contemporary scholars. Gersbach introduces the term and paradigm 'battle expression' to replace 'war cry', which acknowledges the variety of undertakings, visual and sonic, that military forces from the Graeco-Roman world presented on the battlefield either before, during or after battle. The 'battle expression' was sophisticated in nature; it could include significant cultural song or dance that required high levels of rehearsal and execution. Conversely, battle expression types demonstrated spontaneous wit and humour on the part of a military force that aimed to capitalize on the experiences of a battle. These performances served a variety of purposes outside of instilling group cohesion among the participants and to intimidate the onlooking enemy. This book associates the psychological dimension of warfare, religious identity, and military strategy supported by the High Command to this practice. In addition, the author draws comparisons with later historical periods, as well as the actions of modern-day European football supporters in stadiums, to reconstruct the atmosphere created by ancient military forces on the battlefield. The War Cry in the Graeco-Roman World is suitable for students and scholars of Classical Studies, particularly those interested in ancient warfare and military history, as well as those studying the history of warfare more broadly"--
Carrier Form: 161 pages ; 24 cm.
Bibliography: Includes bibliographical references (pages 148-159) and index.
ISBN: 9781032248585
1032248580
9781032248608
1032248602
Index Number: U33
CLC: E192
Call Number: E192/G381