Starting with the triumphal procession of Alexander the Great the world culture of Hellenism grew, from the brutal wars of roman conquest, the era of imperial peace developed. Therefore outstanding military services - especially the generalship of the major military leaders, were admired by past eras. Stephan Elbern recalls these leaders with short and concise biographies without moral chastising. Famous people such as Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar stand next to forgotten generals such as Kimon, Lucullus and Lysander. In their fates the rise and fall of empires and civilizations through the millennia are reflected - from the ancient Near East to barbarian migration, from the Iberian peninsula to Mesopotamia, from Ramses to Ricimer.