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 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 capitalise 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.
Les mer
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781000812732
Publisert
2022
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Taylor & Francis
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter