The Wars of Alexander's Successors 323 281 BC: Volume 1 - Commanders and Campa [Paperback]

When the dying Alexander the Great was asked to whom he bequeathed his vast empire, he supposedly replied to the strongest . There ensued a long series of struggles between his generals and governors for control of these territories. Most of these Diadochi (Successors) were consummate professionals who had learned the art of war under Alexander or even his father, Philip. Few died a peaceful death and the last survivors of this tough breed were still leading their armies against each other well into their seventies. Colorful characters, epic battles, treachery and subterfuge make this a period with great appeal to anyone interested in ancient history and ancient warfare in particular. The wars shaped the map from the Balkans to India for the next couple of centuries.This first volume introduces the key personalities - characters such as Antigonos Monopthalmus (the One-eyed) and his son 'Demetrius 'Poliorcetes' (the Besieger), Seleucus 'Nicator' ('the Victorious') and Ptolemy Soter ( the Saviour ) - and gives a narrative of the causes and course of these wars from the death of Alexander to the Battle of Corupedium (281 BC) when the last two original Diadochi faced each other one final time.When the dying Alexander the Great was asked to whom he bequeathed his vast empire, he supposedly replied to the strongest . There ensued a long series of struggles between his generals and governors for control of these territories.Only modern work in English devoted to clear, comprehensive narrative of the events of the Wars of the Diadochi.Describes the four decades of war over one of the greatest empires ever seen.Introduces such colourful characters as Antigonus 'Monopthalmus' (the 'One-eyed'), his son Demetrius 'Poliorcetes' ('the Besieger'), Ptolemy 'Soter' ('the Saviour') and Seleucus 'Nicator' ('the Victorious').A period of great appeal to anyone interested in ancient warfare and a particular favourite with wargamers This book and Volume II are still two of the best lóÁ