The ancient historian Polybius urged caution regarding writing about places one has not been. Author Patrick Hunt agrees, and this volume on ancient battles is informed by having walked most of the battle sites and having studied archaeological material associated with each of them. Combining expertise in archaeology, geography, military history, and Classical studies, he provides a fresh analysis of twelve conflicts of the ancient world that shaped subsequent history in the West. From the Late Bronze age to the Late Roman Empire and Early Medieval Era, this book examines in chronological order the following battles: Battle of Kadesh (1274 BCE) Battle of Ninevah (612 BCE) Battle of Marathon (490 BCE) Battle of Issus (333 BCE) Battle of Trebbia (218 BCE) Battle of Cannae (216 BCE) Battle of Cartagena (209 BCE) Battle of Alesia (52 BCE) Battle of Actium (31 BCE) Battle of Masada (73 CE) Battle of the Catalaunian Plains (451 CE) Battle of Tours (732 CE) Chapter formats for each battle include: battle map, background, discussion of topography, major commanders, order of battle of adversaries, battle chronology, unusual decisions, tactics, outcomes, and conclusions as to why each changed history.