Herod was Rome's most important and powerful ally at the end of the Republic. Although he has entered posterity as a ruthless ruler not only against his own family but also, according to the gospel of Matthew, as the instigator of the slaughter of the innocents. However, he was also an able administrator who developed a powerful army. At it's peak Herod's army could field approximately 40,000 men. Comprised of both Judaean and mercenary soldiers with troops from the Germanic tribes to Parthians to Romans. As a result of this varied composition it showed both strong Hellenistic influence in its armour and cavalry and Roman influence in its use of heavy infantry making it an intriguing topic for military history enthusiasts. This book will be a fascinating look at the ancient army of Herod the Great which will use the latest Israeli archaeological reports and finds, including weapons and armour fragments.

Introduction and short chronology · Strength, character and functions of Herod's Judaean army, as regional power and ally of Republican/early Imperial Rome · Organization & tactics: infantry and the Roman influence - cavalry and the Hellenistic influence · Ethnic composition: Jewish, Parthian, Roman, Gallic, Germanic · Equipment & weapons: Roman, Hellenistic and Oriental influences · Command & structure: senior commanders - royal guard - cavalry, including Parthians - Iturean archers - Judaean heavy infantry · Campaigns: conquest of Judaea - siege of Jerusalem - First Nabatean War - to Arabia with Aelius Gallus - Second Nabatean War

Samuel Rocca, illustrated by Christa Hook