While work has begun on a Sumerian project inspired by Graham Evan's To Ur is Human rules (see my First Impressions here), many questions remain unclear as I dive into a new, and unfamiliar period.
Imagine my relief when an advert for the above book recently popped into my Inbox. This looks promising! Well, little surprise that I quickly ordered a copy of this Soldiershop book from Amazon. Being available in Kindle format, I received near instant gratification after having pressed the "Buy" button.
The author, Chris Flaherty, has produced a very interesting primer on the period.
The book is divided into the following thirteen chapters:
- Chapter 1: Selecting Soldiers
- Chapter 2: Role, Organization, and Maneuver of Armies
- Chapter 3: Battle
- Chapter 4: Kings and Military Leaders
- Chapter 5: Priests and God Idols
- Chapter 6: Hunters and Herder-Warriors
- Chapter 7: Shield-Bearers and Spearmen
- Chapter 8: Storage Pots, Water and Land Transport
- Chapter 9: Fortifications and Siege Craft
- Chapter 10: The Sumerian War Cart
- Chapter 11: War Cart's Battle Use
- Chapter 12: King Sargon's Standing Army
- Chapter 13: Amorite, Elamite, and Lullabi Warriors
A quick reading of this 218 page book has clarified a number of questions I had and given me as many questions to ponder. Some of these chapters are directly applicable to wargamers whether painting and organizing armies or gaming. I will be re-examining Graham's wargame rules in a new light.
Very useful addition to a wargamer's library on an often overlooked period.
A useful looking guide Jon, a period I am not familiar with at all really 🤔
ReplyDeleteVery useful guide, Matt. This is a period for which I know very little as well. Actually, I am not sure many details are known about this period of warfare.
DeleteI was thinking exactly that Jon - a few historians and archaeologists have some ideas and theories, but I dont think anyone really knows!
DeleteThat looks an interesting series and 218 pages suggests some depth.
ReplyDeleteThe book covers a lot of ground and I learned quite a bit from reading it. On warfare during this period, much for discussion later, I suspect.
DeleteA very useful looking guide
ReplyDeleteI think so.
DeleteThis looks like it covers a lot of ground and could be equivalent to at least five Ospreys, including a possible 'Ancient Sumerian War Pots' from the Osprey 'Containers of War' series. I'm off to investigate what else they have in the series.
ReplyDeleteOsprey's "Containers of War" series...you are hilarious, Lawrence!
DeleteExcellent find Jonathan, I’ll ordering a copy ASAP!
ReplyDeleteMike, I figured this book might be of interest to you.
DeleteI foresee an interesting conversation ahead. I will pass on the purchase for now, as with the publication of "To Ur" I drew the line under my research. A £7 kindle product is tempting, although I prefer hardcopy for my non-fiction where I can get it.
ReplyDeleteThis work may prompt some interesting discussions. I prefer hard copy too but for quick access to the content, Kindle is a good substitute. The problem I have with digital is that I often forget I have it.
DeleteDrawing a line to research? We ought not stop our research or discovery.
In respect of the pile of projects I want to finish properly over my 5 year horizon from when TUIH was published I don't intend to either enlarge the Sumerian armies or revise TUIH. I've got a lot of research to do or redo over the next 2-3 years and I can't afford to go down anymore rabbit holes if I want to get done what I want to get done. Maintenance of aim is essential or I'll end up with a load of half finished things that don't work.
DeleteLooks like a fantastic reference for a period that doesn't seem to have such coverage, particularly from the standpoint of gaming. Not my era, but this is tempting as a general read: thanks for bringing it to our attention!
ReplyDeleteThis has plenty of potential for study. Useful for even a casual read, Ed. I am enjoying it.
DeleteIt looks like a useful "book" for someone new to this period (I dont even really know what period it is to be fair - Biblical I believe - which I have always assumed is around 4-5000 BC??)
ReplyDeleteUseful, for sure. I would prefer a hard copy but digital is in my hands quickly. Who knows? I may buy the hard copy if I find the content critical to further study.
DeleteTan ks for that recommendation. I have been considering a biblical army and these guys have interested me - but I've not taken the plunge yet.
ReplyDeleteRichard
You’re welcome, Richard. If interested in ancient Sumeria, this is a useful place to start.
DeleteI saw this book on the Bronze Age Wargames FB group; I should have pointed it out to you!
ReplyDeleteThis series can be a bit uneven, but usually have a lot of information not found elsewhere.
Thanks! The book was only released last week. News travels fast. The two books on the Sardinians for the FAW are both terrific resources.
DeleteThere is nothing like the research phase to really help amp up the interest in a future project. I look forward to seeing this as it progresses.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Anthony. I have a few units on the painting desk now.
DeleteWooooa! Looking as very helpful compendium!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteSerendipity at its best
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteI would say an excellent find but it appears it found you🙂
ReplyDeleteA good resource from the looks of it.
Quite right, Phil. It found me!
DeleteNice find,I find the research one of the best bits and it never ends! In a way wargaming is just an excuse to feed my book buying addiction!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
I enjoy the research part of the hobby too. Actually, I enjoy all of the different facets of the hobby.
DeleteInteresting. The historical period is completely unknown to me. Thank you for paying attention to it. It's interesting to learn.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome! This is an unusual Wargaming period not often seen on the table. I have been seeing more Sumerian armies on the march of late, though.
DeleteIt's relative obscurity and poor treatment at the hands of rules writers was why I wrote TUIH.
DeleteNo sign of slowing down Jonathan, I have tried but have not made it yet.
ReplyDeleteWe all keep plugging along.
DeleteTargeted adds pay off! But should come in handy as you plan the army. I have no knowledge of ancient/ biblical times so would have the same big hurdle. If it’s not rampaging Gauls versus stoic Romans then I wouldn’t know what it was. 😀
ReplyDeleteIt sure did pay off for SoldierShop. You know more about various periods of warfare than you let on.
DeleteSounds very interesting!
ReplyDeleteIt is!
DeleteIt's good to find a reasonable, general book when getting started in a period. I like pdf for quick delivery, but also 'buy and try'. If it is good enough, I'll look to a printed copy, which has that greater aesthetic appeal.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is much on archive.org?
Regards, James
We are in agreement, James. I am not familiar with archive.org. I must investigate.
DeleteArchive.org is awesome for source documentation of the type published by the Camden Society and others in the 19th century. It's where I found many of the sources for the Edgcote book.
Delete